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M  1- 


MADAM 

BUTTERFLY 


A  JAPANESE  TRAGEDY 

Founded  on  the  book  by  John  L.  Long 

and 

the  drama  by  David  Belasco 

Italian  Libretto  by 
L.  ILLICA  and  Q.  QIACOSA 


English  Version  by 

R.    H.    ELKI  N 


Music  by 

Q.  PUCCINI 


Price  25  cts.  net 


G.  RICORDI  &  COMPANY 

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ITALIAN  TEXT-COPYRIGHT  1904,  By  G.  RICORDI  6/  CO. 
ENGLISH  TEXT-COPYRIGHT  1906.  By  G.  RICORDI  y  CO. 


MUSIC  LIBRARY 

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STORRS,  CONNECTICUT 


Characters 


MADAM  BUTTERFLY  {Cho-Cho-San)  -        .        -         Soprano 
SUZUKI  {Cho-Cho-San  s  Servant)      -         -         -      Mezzo-Soprano 

KATE  PINKERTON Mezzo-Soprano 

B.  F.  PINKERTON  {Lieutenant  in  the  United  States  Navy)   Tenor 
SRARPLESS  {UniteJ  States  Consu/ at  Nagasaki)       -       Baritone 

GORO  {a  Marriage  Broker) Tenor 

PRINCE  YAMADORI     - 

THE  BONZE  {Cho-Cho-San's  Uncle) 

YAKUSIDE 

THE  IMPERIAL  COMMISSIONER 
THE  OFFICIAL  REGISTRAR     - 
CHO-CHO-SAN'S  MOTHER 

THE  AUNT 

THE  COUSIN 

TROUBLE  {Cho-Cho-San' s  Child) 


Baritone 

-  Bass 
Baritone 

-  Bass 
Baritone 

Mezzo-  Sopra  no 


S:S? 


Mezzo-Soprano  \  \  2 


Soprano 


Cho-Cho-San's  Relations  and  Friends.     Servants. 


At  Nagasaki. 


Present  Day 


All  rights  of  printing ^  copying^  performance,  translation,  vocal  or 
instrumental  arrangements^  etc.y  of  this  opera  are  strictly 
reserved. 


ARGUMENT 


ACT  I. 


LmuTfiNANT  B,  F.  PiNKERTON,  of  the  United  States  Navy,  is  about  to 
contract  a  "  Japanese  Marriage"  with  Cho-Cho-San,  known  among  her 
friends  as  Butterfly.  When  the  curtain  rises  he  is  being  shown  over 
the  Httle  house  on  the  hill,  which  he  has  leased  at  Nagaski  and  is  about 
to  occupy  with  his  Japanese  wife.  GoRO,  the  nakodo  or  marriage  broker, 
who  has  arranged  the  match,  has  also  found  him  the  house  and  is  enjoy- 
ing PiNKERTON's  surprise  and  pleasure  at  the  ingenious  contrivances  of 
the  building.  Pinkerton  is  then  introduced  to  the  three  Japanese  ser- 
vants, one  of  whom  is  SusuKi.  Butterfly's  faithful  maid.  His  friend 
Sharpless,  the  American  Consul,  arrives,  and  the  two  men  settle  down 
to  an  intimate  chat.  Sharpless  looks  upon  Pinkerton's  projected 
alliance  with  disfavour,  and  begs  him  to  reflect  before  taking  the  step. 
He  urges  that  what  is  a  mere  pastime  to  Pinkerton  may  be  a  very 
serious  matter— a  matter  of  life  or  death— to  the  Japanese  girl.  Pink- 
erton laughs  at  his  friend's  apprehmsions,  and  their  discussion  is  inter- 
rupted by  the  arrival  of  the  bride  and  her  friends.  Greetings  are  inter- 
changed; Sharpless  takes  the  opportunity  of  getting  into  conversation 
with  Butterfly  and  is  more  than  ev^-r  convinced  that  she  is  taking  her 
marriage  very  seriously.  That  his  misgivings  are  not  groundless  is  soon 
proved,  for  in  a  pretty  interview  with  Pinkerton,  Butterfly  confides 
to  him  that  she  has,  secretly  and  quite  unknown  to  her  relations,  re- 
nounced her  faith,  the  faith  of  her  forefathers,  before  entering  on' her 
new  life  with  him;  a  step  which  means  cutting  herself  adiift  from  all 
her  old  associations  and  belongings,  and  entrusting  her  future  entirely 
to  her  husband. 

The  relations  arrive,  together  with  the  Japanese  officials,  and  the 
marriage  contract  is  signed  with  due  ct>remony.  While  the  guests  are 
joyfully  drinking  the  newly-wedded  pair's  health,  a  weird  figure  suddenly 
appears  on  the  scene,  shouting  and  cursing  wildly.  It  is  Butterfly's 
uncle,  the  Bonze  (Japanese  priest),  who  has  discovered  her  renunciation 
of  faith  and  has  come  to  curse  her  for  it.  He  insists  on  all  her  relations, 
including  her  mother,  renouncing  her  forever;  whereupon  Pinkerton', 
annoyed  at  the  disturbance,  turns  the  whole  lot  out  of  his  house,  and' 
they  depart,  shaking  the  air  with  their  imprecations.  Butterfly  is 
left  weeping  bitterly,  and  Pinkerton  proceeds  to  comfort  his  poor  litt  e 
Japanese  wife.  He  soon  woos  her  back  to  smiles  and  happiness,  and  a 
passionate  love  scene  follows.  And  so  we  leave  this  strangely-assorted 
pair  on  the  threshold  of  their  life  together. 

ACT  H.— Parti. 

Three  years  have  passed.  Pinkerton  has  long  since  been  recalled 
to  America,  promising  his  little  wife  to  return  to  her  *♦  when  the  robins 
nest."  The  curtain  rises  on  a  sadder  and  wiser  Suzuki,  praying  against 
all  conviction  for  Pinkerton's  return,  and  on  a  faithful,  ever-trusting, 
never-doubting  Butterfly.  She  declines  to  listen  to  Suzuki's  misgiv- 
ings :  "'Tis  faith  you  are  lacking!"  she  says,  and  in  most  touching 
language  she  draws  a  vivid  picture  of  Pinkerton's  speedy  return: 
'  •  This  will  all  come  to  pass  just  as  tell  you.  Banish  your  idle  fears,  for 
he'll  i-eturn,  I  know  it !  " 

She  is  interrupted  by  a  visit  from  the  Consul  Sharpless,  who  has 
been  entrusted  by  Pinkerton  with  a  very  cruel  task,  viz.,  to  break  to 
Butterfly  the  news  that  he  is  returning  to  Nagasaki,  but  that  he  is 
now  married— really  married  this  time!— to  an  American  wife.  But 
with  the  best  intentions,  Sharpless  is  unable  to  deliver  his  message. 
The  very  sight  of  a  letter  from  Pinkerton  throws  Butterfly  into  such 
a  transport  of  excitement  and  joy  that  she  is  unable  to  listen  to  its  con- 
tents.    He  has  written,  he  has  remembered  her,  and  of  course  he  must 


be  returning!  Then  they  are  disturbed  by  a  visit  from  Tamadori.  a 
wealthy  Japanese  suitor,  whom  GORO  is  urging  Butterfly  to  marry. 
She  is  very  indignant.  "  How  can  I  marry  him?"  she  protests,  "when  I 
am  already  married?"  And  when  GoRO  and  Sharpless,  appalled  at  her 
blindless,  suggests  that  Pinkerton's  desertion  of  her  constitutes  divorce, 
she  proudly  tells  them:  "  That  may  be  Japanese  law,  but  not  the  law  of 
my  country,  America!"  It  is  a  hopeless  task  to  try  and  undeceive  a. 
faith  such  as  hers.  After  Yamadori  has  taken  his  departure,  Sharp- 
less  makes  one  more  attempt  to  open  her  eyes  to  the  truth,  but  she 
silences  him  once  for  all  by  fetching  in  her  baby  boy,  a  blue-eyed,  fair- 
haired  replica  of  PiNKERTON.  "Look,"  she  says,  with  maternal  pride, 
"can  such  as  this  well  be  forgotten?  When  Pinkerton  hears  what  a 
fine  son  is  waiting  for  him,  will  he  not  hasten  back  to  Japan?"  And  the 
poor  Consul  has  reluctantly  to  take  his  leave  without  having  achieved 
his  mission. 

He  has  hardly  gone  before  the  harbour  cannons  announce  the  arrival 
of  a  man-of-war.  Their  eyes  dim  with  happy  tears,  their  hands  shaking 
with  excitement  so  that  they  can  hardly  hold  the  telescope.  Butterfly 
and  Suzuki  discover  it  is  Pinkerton's  ship,  the  Abraham  Lincoln! 
Now  Butterfly's  transports  know  no  bounds.  She  has  proved  herself 
ritjht!  Her  faith  is  rewarded!  Her  husband  is  returning  to  her!  She 
and  Suzuki  decorate  the  little  home  with  flowers  until  it  is  a  very 
bower.  She  and  the  baby  are  adorned  in  their  very  best,  and  then  she 
stations  herself,  Suzuki  and  the  baby  in  front,  of  three  holes  she  has 
pierced  in  the  Shosi,  there  to  watch  for  Pinkerton's  arrival.  As  nijiht 
falls,  Suzuki  and  the  baby  drop  off  to  sleep.  The  curtain  falls  on  the 
pathetic  picture  of  Butterfly,  rijiid  and  motionless,  waiting  and  watch- 
ing in  unshaken  faith  for  the  return  of  the  husband  who  has  forsaken 
her.     .     .     . 

ACT  n.— Part  2. 

.  .  .  The  weary  night  has  passed,  and  the  breaking  dawn  discovers 
Suzuki  and  the  baby  fast  asleep  while  Butterfly  still  stands  waiting, 
watching.  The  sunshine  awakes  Suzuki,  who  persuades  Butterfly 
lo  go  and  rest,  promising  to  call  her  as  soon  as  Pinkerton  arrives. 
Hardly  has  Butterfly  gone  up  with  her  baby  than  Pinkerton  and 
Sharpless  appear  on  the  scene.  Suzuki's  joyful  surprise  is  soon 
changed  to  consternation  when  she  finds  that  Pinkerton  is  accompanied 
liy  a  strange  lady — his  wife!  Plnkerton,  surrounded  by  proofs  of  But- 
terfly's unbroken  faith  and  devotion,  now  at  last  realizes  the  truth  of 
tlie  Consul's  warnings  and  the  heartliness  of  his  own  conduct.  Over- 
tome  by  remorse  and  the  anguish  of  the  situation,  he  rnshes  away, 
leaving  Sharpless  to  arrange  things  as  best  he  can.  The  Con.«;ul  has 
hard  work  to  pacify  Suzuki.  At  last  he  persuades  her  to  break  the  news 
to  her  poor  little  mistress  and  to  try  and  induce  her  to  give  up  her  baby 
to  Mrs.  Pinkerton,  who  will  bestow  a  mother's  care  on  it.  Before 
Suzuki  has  time  to  prevent  her.  Butterfly  comes  down,  radiantly 
expecting  to  find  her  husband,  and  in  a  scene,  the  pathos  of  which  can- 
not well  be  surpassed,  she  learns  the  terrible  truth.  She  bears  the  blow 
with  a  gentle  dignity  more  touching  than  any  lamentation.  She  even 
wishes  the  "real  American  wife"  every  happiness,  and  sends  Pinker- 
ton a  message  that  she  herself  will  "  find  peace,"  and  that  he  shall  have 
his  son  if  he  will  come  and  fetch  him  himself  in  half  an  hour's  time. 
And  then  Sharpless  and  Mrs.  Pinkerton  withdraw  and  kave  the  poor 
little  girl  alone  with  her  broken  heart. 

But  when,  in  half  an  hour's  time,  Pinkerton  and  Sharpless  return 
to  keep  their  appointment,  the  faithful  little  broken  heart  has  ceased  to 
beat.  Butterfly  has  killed  hersel"  with  her  father's  sword,  the  blade 
of  whi^h  bears  the  insci  iption: 

"  To  die  with  honour 
When  one  can  no  longer  live  with  honour." 

R.  H.  ELKIN. 


ACT  I. 


Hill  near  Nagasaki* 

A  Japanese  house,  terrace  and  garden. 

Below,  in  the  background,  the  bay,  the  harbour  and 

the  town  of  Nagasaki. 

Pinkcfton  and  Goro. 
Goro  is  showing  Pinkerton   over  the  house.     Pinkerton  passes  from  one 
surprise  to  another. 


Pinkerton 
And  the  walls — and  the  ceiling — 

GOKO 

(enjoying  his  surprise) 

They  will  come  and  will  go, 

Just  as  it  may  suit  your  fancy 

To  exchange  or  to  vary 

New  and  old  in  the  same  surroundings. 

Pinkerton 

(looking  around) 

The  marriage-chamber, 
Where  is  it  ? 

Goro 

(pointing  in  two  directions) 

Here,  or  there  ! — according- 


MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


PlliTKERTON 

A  wonderful  contrivance  ! 
The  hall? 

GORO 

(showing  the  terrace) 

Behold  ! 


PiNKERTON 

(amazed) 

In  the  open? 

GoRO 

(making  a  partition  slide  out) 

A  wall  slides  outward- 


Pi  nkerton 
I  see  now  1     Another — 

Goro 

Runs  along  1 

PiNKERTON 

And  so  the  fairy  dwelling — 

Goro 
Springs  like  a  tow'r  from  nowhere, 
Complete  from  base  to  attic ! — 

PiNKERTON 

It  comes  and  goes  by  magic ! 
Goro 

tolape  his  hand  loudly  twice:  enter  two  men  and  a  woman,  who  go  down  on  their  hands  and 
knees  in  front  of  Pinkerton) 

•  This  is  the  trusty  handmaid, 

Who  waits  upon  your  wife, 
Faithful  and  devoted. 

The  cook — the  servant.     They're  embarrass'd 
At  such  great  honour. 

Pinkerton 

Their  names  ? 


ACT    ONE 


GORO 

(introducing  tiiem) 

"  Miss  Gentle- Breeze-of- Morning. 

liay-of-the-golden-sun.— Sweet-scented-pine-tree:'* 

PiNKEETON 

Foolishly  chosen  nicknames ! 
I  will  call  them:  scarecrows  ! 

(pointing  to  them  one  by  one) 

^   Scarecrow  first;  scarecrow  second;  and  scarecrow 
third  ! 

Suzuki 

(grown  bolder) 

Yonr  Honour  deigns  to  smile  ? 

Your  smile  is  fair  as  flowers. 

Thus  spake  the  wise  Ocunama: 

A  smile  conquers  all,  and  defies 

Ev'ry  trouble.     Pearls  may  be  won  by  smiling 

bmiles  can  ope  the  portals 

Of  Paradise. 

The  Perfume  of  the  Gods— 

The  Fountain  of  Life— 

(Goro,  perceiving  that  Pinkerton  begins  to  be  bored  at  Sn^nH'c  i^^,      ■* 

tSrice.    The  three  rise  and  qnilkly  disappear  fnto  the  house)  '"^"^^''J''  '''^ps  his  hands 

Pinkerton 
When  they  begin  to  talk, 
Alike  I  find  all  women. 

(to  Goro  who  has  gone  to  the  bacli  to  look  oat) 

Why  look  you  ? 

Goro 
Watching  for  the  bride's  arrival. 

Pinkerton 
All  is  ready  ? 

Goro 

Ev'ry  detail. 

Pinkerton 
Fou  shining  light  of  brokers  I 


Madam  butterfly 


GORO 

(thanks  with  a  deep  bow) 

There  will  come:  the  official  registrar, 

The  relations,  your  country's  Consul, 

Your  future  wife.     Here  you'll  sign  the  contract, 

And  solomnize  the  marriage. 

PiNKERTON 

Are  there  many  relations  ? 

GoRO 
Her  mother,  grandam,  and  the  Bonze,  her  uncle, 
(Who'll  scarcely  honour  us  with  his  appearance) 
Her  cousins,  male  and  female — 
Of  ancessors  I  reckon,  and  other  blood  relations, 
A  round  two  dozen. 
As  to  the  descendents — 

(with  obsequious  presumption) 

That  may  be  left,  I  reckon. 

To  your  Honour  and  the  fair  Butterfly — 

(the  voice  of  the  Consul  Sharpless,  who  is  climbing  the  hill,  is  hearcU 

The  Voice  of  Sharpless 

(rather  far  off) 

A  plague  on  this  steep  ascent ! 
Stumbling,  and  spluttering — 

GoRo 

(who  has  run  to  the  back,  announces) 

Here  comes  the  Consul. 

Sharpless 

(enters,  quite  out  of  breath.    Goro  bows  low  before  him) 

Ah  !  the  scramble  up 
Has  left  me  breathless  ! 

PiNKERTON 

(goes  to  meet  the  Consul:  they  shake  hands) 

Good-day,  friend!     Welcome! 

Sharpless 
Oughl 


ACT  osm 


PiNKERTON 

Quickly,  Goro, 
]3'etch  some  refreshments. 

(Goro  hurries  into  the  liOLC 

Shabpless 

(looking  about) 


Lofty! 

PiNKEBTON 

(showing  him  the  view) 

But  lovely! 

Shaepless 

(looking  at  the  sea  and  the  town  below) 

Nagasaki — the  ocean— 
The  harbor — 

PiNKERTON 

(pointing  to  the  house) 

This  is  a  dwelling 
Which  is  managed  by  magic. 

Sharpless 
Yours  ? 

Pinkerton 
I  bought  this  house 
For  nine  hundred  and  ninety-nine  years, 
But  with  the  option,  at  every  month, 
To  cancel  the  contract! 
I  must  say,  in  this  country 
The  houses  and  the  contracts  are  elastic! 

Sharpless 
The  man  of  bus'ness  profits  by  it. 

(Goro  comes  bustling  out  of  the  house,  followed  by  the  two  eerrants.  They  bring  glasses, 
bottles  and  two  wipker  lounges;  place  the  glasses  and  bottles  on  a  small  table,  and  retorn 
p  the  hogse) 

PlNKERTON 

(Inyiting  him  to  be  seated) 

Surely. 
The  whole  world  over, 
On  bus'ness  and  pleasure  bent 
YJie  Yankee  jtrav^lS;  all  dangers  scorning. 


10  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


His  anchor  boldly  lie  casts  at  random — 
Until  a  sudden  squall — 

(breaking  off  to  offer  Sharplesa  a  drink) 

Milk  punch  or  whisky  ? 

(resuming) 

— ^Upsets  bis  ship,  then  up  go  sails  and  rigging  j 
And  life  is  not  worth  living 
If  he  can't  win  the  best 
And  fairest  of  each  country, 
The  heart  of  each  fair  maid! 


Sharpless 
That's  an  easy-going  gospel 
Which  makes  life  very  pleasant. 
But  is  fatal  in  the  end — 


PiNKERTON 

(continuing) 

Fate  cannot  crush  him,  he  tries  again  undaunted. 

No  one  and  nothing 

Breaks  his  plucky  spirit. 

And  so  I'm  marrying  in  Japanese  fashion. 

Tied  for  nine  hundred 

And  ninety-nine  years, 

Free,  though,  to  annul  the  marriage  monthly. 

*'  America  for  ever!  " 


Sharpless 
Is  the  bride  very  pretty  ? 


GoRO 

(who  has  overheard,  approaches  the  terrace  officioosly) 
Fair  as  a  garland 
Of  fragrant  flowers!  Brighter 
Than  a  star  in  the  heavens! 
And  for  nothing:  one  hundred 
Yen. 

(to  the  Consul) 

If  your  Augustness  will  entrust  me, 
I  have  a  fine  selection  ? 

(the  Consul  langhingly  declines) 


ACT    ONE  11 


PiNKERTON 

(very  impatiently) 

Go  and  fetch  her,  Goro. 

(Goto  run8  to  the  back  and  disappears  down  the  hill) 


Sharpless 
What  folly  has  seized  you! 
D'  you  think  you  are 
Intoxicated  ? 


PiNKERTON 

(rises  impatiently.    Sharpless  rises  also) 

Maybe!  Depends 
On  what  you  call  intoxication! 
Is't  love  or  fancy,  maid  or  myth — 
I  cannot  tell  you — all  that  I  know  is 
She,  with  her  innocent  charm,  has  entranc'd  me. 
Almost  transparently  fragile  and  slender, 
Dainty  in  stature,  quaint  little  figure, 
Seems  to  have  stepped  down 
Straight  from  a  screen, — 

But  from  her  background  of  varnish  and  lacquer — 
Suddenly,  light  as  a  feather  she  flutters, 
And,  like  a  butterfly,  hovers  and  settles. 
With  so  much  charm  and  such  seductive  graces. 
That  to  pursue  her  a  wild  wish  seized  me — 
Though  in  the  quest  her  frail  wings  should  be  broken. 


Sharpless 

(seriously  and  kindly) 

The  other  day,  she  came  up 

To  call  at  the  Consulate! 

I  did  not  see  her,  but  I  heard  her  speak. 

And  the  mystery  of  her  voice 

Touched  my  very  soul. 

Surely  love  that  is  pure  and  true  speaks  like  that. 

It  were  indeed  sad  pity 

To  tear  those  dainty  wings, 

And  perchance  to  torment  a  trusting  heart. 

No  cry  of  anguish  should  e'er  be  uttered 

By  that  gentle  and  trusting  little  voice. 


12  MADAM    BUTTEKFLY 


PiNKERTON 

Dearly  beloved  Consul, 

Allay  your  fears!  We  know 

Men  of  your  age  look  on  life  with  mournful  eyes. 

No  harm  I  reckon  these  wings  to  raise, 

And  guide  them  to  the  tender  flights  of  love! 

(offers  him  more  drink) 
Whisky  ? 

Sharpless 
Yes,  mix  me  another. 

(Pinkerton  fills  up  his  own  glass  as  well) 

Here's  to  your  friends  and  relations  at  home. 


Pinkerton 

(raising  his  glass) 

And  to  the  day  on  which  I'll  wed 

In  real  marriage — a  real  American  wife! 


GORO 

(reappears  rnnning  breathlessly  np  the  hill) 

See  them!  they've  climbed  the  summit  of  the  hill! 

(pointing  towards  the  path) 

A  crowd  of  women  hustling, 
Like  the  wind  in  branches  rustling, 


Here  they  come  bustling 


(The  confused  and  lively  hubbub  of  many  voices  is  heard  from  the  path.    Pinkerton  and 
Sharpless  retire  to  the  back  of  the  garden,  watching  the  path  on  the  hill) 


Butterfly's   Voice 
There's  one  step  more  to  climb. 


Other   Voices. 
How  long  you  tarry — here  is  the  summit — 
One  moment look,  oh  look  ! 


Butterfly's    Voice 

Across  the  earth  and  o'er  the  ocean 

Balmy  breeze  and  scent  of  Spring  are  blowing- 

I  am  the  happiest  maiden, 

The  happiest  in  Japan — 

In  all  the  world. 


ACT    ONE  13 

From  ev'ry  nook  and  corner 
The  city  sends  me  greeting 
With  a  thousand  voices. 
Friends,  I  have  obeyed 
The  summons  of  love, 
Upon  the  threshold  standing. 
Where  all  the  glory  awaits  me, 
That  life  or  death  can  oflPer. 

Hee  Girl  Friends 

The  best  of  luck  attend  you, 

Gentle  maiden,  but  ere 

You  cross  the  threshold  which  invites  you, 

Turn  and  admire  the  things  you  hold  so  dear. 

What  lovely  flow'rs  !  what  lovely  sky,  and  lovely  sea  ! 

Sharpless 
O  happy  prattle,  careless  days  of  youth  ! 

(Butterfly  and  her  girl  friends  appear  on  the  brow  of  the  hill.    They  will  carrv  large  briBhtlv 
coloured  eunshadee,  open)  j      s    ""gnuj 

Butterfly 
We're  there  now. 

(she  sees  the  three  men  standing  together  and  recognizes  Pinkerton.    She  promotlv  closes 
her  sunshade  and  introduces  Pinkerton  to  her  friends)  «-       f  j 

B.  F.  Pinkerton.     Down. 

(goes  down  on  her  knees) 

The  Girl  Friends 

(close  their  sunshades  and  go  on  their  knees) 

Down. 

(then  they  all  rise  and  ceremoneouBly  approach  Pinkerton) 

Butterfly 
Augustly  welcome — 

The  Girl  Friends 
Hail,  most  mighty ! 

Pinkerton 

(smiling) 

The  ascent 

Is  rather  trying  ? 


14  I.IADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Butterfly 

(meaeuredly) 

Not  so  trying 

To  a  bride 

As  are  the  weary  hours 

Of  waiting. 

PiNKEETON 

(rather  sarcastically) 

What  a  pretty 
Compliment ! 

BUTTEEFLY 

(ingenuously) 

I  know  better  ones 
Than  that— 

PiNKEETON 

(good  humouredly) 

Gems,  I  doubt  not ! 
Butterfly 

(anxioas  to  show  off  her  stock  of  compUmentfl) 

It  you  care  for  some 
At  present .  .  . 

PiNKEETON 

(gently) 

Thank  you — no. 
Shaepless 

(after  scanning  the  group  of  maidens  with  curiosity,  approaches  Butterfly,  who  listens  to  him 
attentively) 

Miss  "  Butterfly  " — How  pretty  ! — Your  name 
Was  well  chosen.     Are  you  from  Nagasaki  ? 

BuTTEEFLY 

Sir,  I  am.     My  people 
Were  formerly  wealthy. 

(to  her  friends^ 

Say  80  1 

Hbe  Gibl  Friends 

(assenting  with  amcrity) 

It  is  so  I 


ACT    ONE  15 


BUTTEEFLY 

There's  no  one  cares  to  own  he  was  born  in  poverty  ; 

Is  not  ev'ry  vagrant,  when  you  listen  to  his  tale, 

Of  ancient  lineage  ?     But  yet  indeed 

I  have  known  riches.     But  the  strongest  oak 

Must  fall  when  the  storm- wind  wrecks  the  forest.     ^ 

And  we  had  to  go  as  geishas,  to  earn  our  living. 

(to  her  friends) 

Say  SO  ! 
The  Friends 

(corroborating) 

Truly  ! 

Butterfly 
I  frankly  own  it, 
And  don't  blush  for  it. 

(seeing  that  Sliarpleus  smiles) 

You're  laughing  ?     And  why  ?    That's  how  the  world  runs  I 

PiNKERTON 

(has  listened  with  interest  and  turns  to  Sharpless) 

(With  her  innocent  baby-face,  she  sets  my  heart  throbbing.) 

Sharpless 

(he  also  is  interested  in  Butterfly's  prattle,  and  continues  to  question  her. 

And  have  you  no  sisters  ? 

Butterfly 
None,  Augustness.     I've  my  mother. 

GORO 

(importantly) 

A  most  notable  lady. 

Butterfly 

But  througb  no  fault  whatever, 
Dreadfully  poor  is  she. 

Sharpless 

And  where's  your  father  ? 

Butterfly 
(stops  short  in  eorpriae,  then  anewers  very  ahortly  :> 

Dead! 


16  MADAM     BUTTERFLY 


(The  friends  then  hang  their  heads.    Goro  is  embarrassed.     They  all  fan  themselTea  nervously 
—then  Butterfly,  to  break  the  painful  silence,  turns  to  Pinkerton) 

But  I've  other  relations  : 

I've  one  uncle,  the  Bonze,  ' 

PlNKERTOX 
(with  exaggerated  surprise) 

Never! 

The  Friends 
A  miracle  of  wisdom  ! 

GoRO 
Of  eloquence  a  fountain  ! 

Pinkerton 
Thank  you,  thank  you,  kind  fate  ! 

Butterfly 
And  yet  another  uncle, 
But  that  one's — 

The  Friends 
A  good-for-nothing  ! 

Butterfly 

(Kind-heartedly  trying  to  hush  them) 

He's  just  a  little  wanting. 

The  Friends 
An  everlasting  tippler. 

Pinkerton 

One  thinker — and  one  drinker  ^ 
They  make  a  pretty  couple. 

Butterfly 

(mortified) 

You  are  not  angry  ? 

Pinkerton 
Not  I! 
J  do  not  pare  ^  jot  I 


ACT    ONE  17 

Shapeless 

(to  Butterfly) 

What  might  your  age  be  ? 
Butterfly 

(with  almost  childish  coquetry) 

Now  try  to  guess  it  ! 

PiNKERTON 

Ten  years. 

Butterfly 
Guess  higher. 

Sharpless 
Twenty. 

Butterfly 

Guess  lower. 

Fifteen,  exactly  fifteen  ! 

I  am  old,  am  I  not  ? 

Shapless 

Fifteen  years  old  !  The  age 
Of  playthings — 

PiNKERTON 

And  of  sweetmeats ! 

(To  Goro,  who  claps  his  hands,  summoning  the  three  servants,  who  come  running  out  from 
the  house  :  Goro  gives  them  the  orders  which  he  takes  from  Pinkerton) 

Call  my  scarecrows  to  hand  round 
Candied  flies  and  spiders, 
Preserves  and  pastry,  and  all 
Sorts  of  curious  liquors. 
And  most  peculiar  delicacies 
They  fancy  in  Japan. 

(Goro  ig  just  about  to  follow  the  servants  into  the  house,  when  he  perceives  more  people 
cl.mbine:  the  hill ;  he  goes  to  look,  then  runs  to  announce  the  new  arrivals  to  Pinkerton 
and  to  Sharpless  :) 

GoRO 

(importantly) 

The  august  High  Commiss'ner — 
The  official  Registrar — the  relations. 

PiNKERTOlf 

(to  Goro) 

Come  now,  hnrrj, 

i.Qoro  row  \nU)  th?  Jjow) 


/ 
l8  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


(From  the  path  in  the  background  Butterfly's  relations  are  seen  climbing  the  hill  and  passing 
along  :  Butterfly  and  her  friends  go  to  meet  them,  bowing  and  kow-towing  :  the  relatives 
stare  curiously  as  the  two  Americans,  askin?  Butterfly  for  explanations.  Last  of  all  arrive 
the  Imperial  Commissioner  and  the  oflicial  Registrar,  who  remain  in  the  background.  Pink- 
erton  has  taken  Sharptess  by  the  arm  and  leading  him  to  ouj  side,  laughingly  makes  him 
look  at  the  quaint  group  of  relations) 


PiNKEBTON 

What  farce  is  this  procession 
Of  my  worthy  new  relations, 
Held  on  terms  of  monthly  contract  !- 

I  feel  sure  that  there  behind  the 
Mighty  fan  of  peacock's  feathers 
My  raoth'r-in-law  is  hiding. — 

And  that  shabby-looking  ninny, 
Jumping  like  a  frog  in  action, 
Is  the  mad  and  boozy  uncle  1 

Then  there's  even  a  small  urchin, 
Shining,  yellow,  and  all  greasy. 

Look  at  them,  intently  chatting, 
Trying  to  kow-tow  before  me. 


Sharplkss 

(to  Pinkerton) 

Oh,  trebly  luckly  Pinkerton, 
Since  Fate  has  let  you  gather 
A  flower  hardly  open'd  ! 

I  have  ne  er  seen  fairer 
Nor  sweeter  maiden  than 
This  little  Butterfly. 

How  exciting  !  Be  prudent ! 
Or  this  pseudo-marriage 
Will  lead  you  into  trouble. 
Do  not  look  on  this  contract. 
And  on  her  faith  as  pastime — 
I  warn  you  !  For  she  trusts  yon, 
(poJBts  to  Butterflj) 


ACT    ONE  19 


Some  of  the  Relations 

(with  great  curiosity,  to  Butterfly) 

Where  is  he  ?  Where  ? 
Butterfly 

(pointing  to  Pinkerton) 

That  is  he — there  ! 

First  Cousin 
To  tell  the  truth, 
Handsome  he's  not — 

Butterfly 

(offended; 

Handsomer  man 
Y'on  never  saw — 
Not  in  your  dreams. 

Butterfly's  Mother 
Z  think  him  fine  ! 

The  Uncle 

He's  worth  a  lot  ! 

First  Cousin 
Why,  Goro  offered  him  to  me, 
But  I  said  no  ! 

Butterfly 

(contemptuously) 

To  you,  my  dear  ! 

Some  Male  and  Female  Friends 
Because  on  her 
His  choice  did  fall. 
She  would  look  down 
Upon  us  all  I 

Some  other  Girl  Friends 
I  think  her  beauty's 
On  the  wane. 

Male  and  Female  Cousins 
She'll  be  divorc'd  ! 


20  MADAM    BUTTEKFLT 


Others 
I  hope  she  may, 

GOEO 

For  goodness  sake 
Be  silent  now — 
Where  did  you  get 
Your  manners  from  ? 

Butteeflt's  Mother  and  a  pew  Cousins 
Why,  that  one  there 
Won't  let  her  be. 

GORO 

The  more  fools  you 
To  bring  her  here. 

The  Uncle 
Is  there  no  wine  ? 

The  Mother  and  the  Aunt 
Let's  look  about. 

Some  Friends 
I've  just  seen  some, 
The  hue  of  tea — 
And  crimson  too  ! 

The  Uncle 
I'd  like  a  drink  I 

The  Child 

And  sweetmeats. 

His  Mother 

Yes. 

The  Child 

(capering  for  joy) 

Hurrah  !  Hurrah  1 


Butterfly 
Mother,  come  here> 


ACT    ONE 


21 


(to  the  others) 

Listen  to  me  : 
All  of  you,  look, 
One— two — three — 
All  of  you:  down  ! 

(They  all  bow  low  before  Pinkerton) 

fMeanwhile  Gore  has  made  the  servants  bring  out  some  sm-11  tables,  on  which  they  pl"ce  a 
vadetv  of  cakes,  ^eetmeats,  liquors,  wines  and  tea-sets.  They  set  some  cushions  and 
TZ7\l  table  wih  writing-materials  apart.  The  friends  and  relations  evince  great  satis- 
facUon  at  the  refreshments.    Butterfly  presents  her  relations  to  Pinkerton) 

BUTTEEFLT 

My  mother — 

PllSTKERTON 

Most  charmed  to  meet  you. 

The  Mother 
Your  Augustness  dazzles  me  with  fairness. 

Butterfly 
My  cousin  and  her  son — 

Pinkerton 

(giving  the  child  a  playful  smack  ;  the  latter  draws  back  timidly) 

He  bids  fair  to  grow  sturdy  ! 
The  Cousin 

(bowing  with  much  ceremony) 

Your  Augustness ! 

Butterfly 
My  uncle  Yakuside. 

Pinkerton 
Ib  that  he  ?     Ha  !     Ha  ! 

Yakuside 
Your  antecedents  shall  live  for  ever  I 

Some  Relations 
May  the  Heavens  smile  upon  thee  I 

Others 
May  your  path  be  strewn  with  roses  1 


22  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


PiNKEETON 

(thanks  them  all,  and  to  get  rid  of  them,  shows  them  the  delicacies  spread  oat;  then  he  turns 
to  Sharpless) 

Lord,  what  foolish  people  ! 

(The  Friends  and  Relations  rush  to  the  tables  ;  the  servants  hand  round  saki,  sweets,  pastry, 

wine  and  liquors;  lively  ejaculations  of  the  guests.     Butterfly  seats  her  Mother  and  her 

Cousin  close  to  her,  and  tries  to  restrain  their  greediness) 
(Goro  accompanies  the  Consul,  the  Commissioner  and  the  Registrar  to  the  table  with  writing 

materials.    The  Consul  examines  the  papers  and  gets  the  bond  ready.    Pinkerton  draws 

near  to  Butterfly  and  gently  offers  her  some  sweets) 

Here's  to  our  love  ! 

(seeing  that  Butterfly  appears  embarrassed) 

What,  don't  you  like  the  sweetmeats  ? 


Butterfly 
Mr.  B.  F.  Pinkerton,  forgive  me — 

(shows  her  hands  and  arms,  which  are  encumbered  by  stuffed-out  sleeves) 

I  should  like — a  young  girl's  few  possessions — 


Pinkerton 
But  where  are  they  ? 


Butterfly 

(pointing  to  her  sleeves) 

They  are  here — are  you  angry  ? 


ACT    ONE  23 


PiNKBRTON 

(rather  astonished,  smiles— then  quickly  and  gallantly  reassures  her) 

Nay,  angry, 
Why,  dear  little  Butterfly  ? 

Butterfly 

(empties  her  si  eves,  placing  their  contents  one  by  one  on  a  stool) 

Kerchiefs — a  pipe — a  buckle — 
A  colored  ribbon — 
A  mirror — and  a  fan — 

PiNKERTON 

(sees  a  jar) 

What  is  that  little  pot  V 

Butterfly 

A  little  jar  of  paint. 


PiNKERTON 


Oh,  fie  ! 


Butterfly 
You  mind  it  ? 

(throws  it  away) 

There  i 

(draws  out  a  long  and  narrow  sheath) 
PiNKERTON 

And  that  thing  ? 

Butterfly 

(very  gravely) 

That  I  hold  ra»st  sacred. 

PiNKERTON 

And  am  I  not  to  see  it  ? 

Butterfly 

(beseeching  and  grave) 

Kot  here  in  public. 
Fray  excuse  me. 

(ebe  Jays  down  ^Jje  ^beatb  very  reverently) 


24  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


GOEO 

(has  meanwhile  approached  and  whispers  to  Pinkerton) 

It  was  sent 
By  the  Mikado  to  her  father,  with  a  message — 

(imitating  the  action  of  suicide  by  hara-kiri) 


Pinkerton 

(softly  to  Goro) 

And — her  father  ? 


GoEO 
Was  obedient. 

(he  withdraws,  mingling  with  the  guests) 


Butterfly 

(takes  some  images  from  hex  sleeves  and  shows  them  to  Pinkerton) 

The  Ottoki. 


Pinkerton 

(takes  one  and  examines  it  curiously) 

These  small  figures? — Can  you  mean  it? 


Butterfly 
The  souls  of  my  Forefathers. 

Pinkerton 
Ah!  I  bow  before  them. 

(he  puts  down  the  image  near  the  others,  then  rises) 


Butterfly 

(leads  Pinkerton  on  one  side  and  says  to  him  in  respectfully  confiding  tones:) 

Hear  what  I  would  tell  you : 

Yesterday  I  crept  softly  to  the  Mission: 

Entering  on  my  new  life 

I  wish  to  adopt  a  new  religion, 

No  one  knows  what  I've  done, 

Neither  friends  nor  relations.     My  fate  I  have  to  folloWj 

And  full  of  humble  faith, 

I  t)OW  before  the  God  of  my  dear  Jxis^&t^Tf 


Act    ONE  25 


For  me  you  spent  a  hundred  yen, 
But  I  shall  try  to  be  most  frugal. 
And  to  give  you  more  pleasure, 
I  can  almost  forget  my  race  and  people. 

(Soes  to  take  up  the  images) 

Away  they  go! 

(throws  them  down.    Meanwhile,  Goro  has  approached  the  Consul,  and,  having  received  his 
orders,  thunders  forth  in  stentorian  tones:) 


GOEO 

Silence!   silence! 

(The  chattering  ceases:  they  all  leave  off  eating  and  drinking  and  come  forward  in  a  circle, 
listeuing  with  much  interest:  Pinkerton  and  Butterfly  stand  in  the  centre) 


The  Imperial  Commissioiser 

(reads) 

Leave  is  given  to  the  undersign'd, 

Benjamin  Franklin  Pinkerton, 

Lieutenant,  serving  on  the  gunboat 

Abra'm  Lincoln,  of  the  United  States  Navy, 

Of  North  America; 

And  to  the  spinster,  known  as  Butterfly, 

Inhabitant  of  Omara-Nagasaki, 

Hitherto  single,  and  in  consequence 

Never  divorced, 

To  join  in  bonds  of  wedlock;  to  wit 

The  former  of  his  free  accord  and  will, 

The  latter  with  consent  of  her  relations. 

Witnesses  of  the  contract. 

(hands  the  bond  for  signature) 


26  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


GOKO 

(with  much  unction) 

The  bridegroom. 

(Pinkerton  eigne) 

Now  the  bride. 

(Butterfly  eigne) 

And  all  is  settled. 

The  Girl  Friends 

(eurround  Butterfly,  congratulating  her) 

Deal-  Madam  Butterfly, 

Butterfly 

(correcta  them) 

Nay,  Madam  B.  F.  Pinkerton. 

(The  Civil  Regietrar  withdraws  the  bond  and  informe  the  Commissioner  that  the  ceremony 


is  over) 


The  Commissioner 

(taking  leave  of  Pinkerton) 

The  best  of  wishes. 

Pinkerton 

I  thank  you  most  sincerely. 

The  Commissioner 

(to  the  Consul) 

May  ask,  are  you  going? 

Sharpless 

I'll  go  with  you. 

The  Registrar 

(taking  leave  of  Pinkerton) 

The  best  of  luck. 

Pinkerton 
Pm  much  obliged. 

Sharpless 

(shaking  hands  with  Pinkerton) 

We  shall  meet  to-morrow!     Be  careful! 

Pinkerton 
To-morrow,  surely. 


ACT    ONE  27 


(Pinkerton  accompanies  the  three  as  far  as  the  path  which  leads  down  to  the  town,  and  waves 
his  hand  to  them  as  they  vanish  from  sight.  They  had  first  to  pass  between  two  flies  of 
friends  and  relatives,  who  saluted  them  with  many  ceremonious  bows.  Butterfly  has 
withdrawn  close  to  her  mother.  Pinkerton  retarns  and  is  naturally  anxious  to  get  rid  of 
the  w  edding  guests) 

(Now  quickly  to  get  rid 

Of  this  little  family  party!     How  shall  I  do  it?) 

This  way,  good  uncle. 

(laughingly  mixes  some  whisky  for  Yaknaide) 

Here,  the  stirrup-cup  for  you  I'm  mixing. 

Yakuside 
Yes,  rather!  let's  have  twenty! 

Pinkerton 

(giving  him  the  decanter) 

And  here's  the  whisky-bottle! 

Yakuside 

(sententiously) 

Drink  up  your  saki,  and  kneel  to  the  Almighty! 
Pinkerton 

(abont  to  mix  some  drink  for  Butterfly's  mother) 

Here's  some  for  you — 

Butterfly 

(prevents  him  from  pouring  out) 

No,  thank  you. 
Pinkerton 

(turning  from  one  to  another) 

And  the  friends 
And  relations — take  some  cakes  and  a 
Glass  of  snerry. 

Yakuside 

(advancing  eagerly) 

With  pleasure ! 
The  Friends 

(driving  him  away) 

Oh,  the  drunkard!  Oh,  the  drunkard! 

GORO 
(to  Pinkerton,  so  that  he  may  not  encourage  the  drunkard  too  mnch) 

Gently,  sir;  gently! 
Give  him  a  chance,  and  he'd  drink  up  the  ocean* 


28  MADAM     BUTTERFLY 


PlNKERTON 

(to  the  child,  giving  him  a  lot  of  sweets) 

Your  turn,  young  rascal; 

•  Spread  out  your  hands,  and  stuff  up  your  sleeves 
With  cakes  and  sweets  and  lots  of  pastry. 

(raising  his  own  glass) 

Hip  I    Hip  ! 

All 

(toasting) 

O  Kami !     O  Kami ! 

PiNKERTON 

Let's  drink  to  the  newly-married  couple. 

All 

O  Kami  !     O  Kami  ! 

(The  toasts  are  interrupted  by  strange  cries  from  the  hill;  all  of  a  sndder  a  weird  fl^nre 
appears  in  the  bjckground,  at  the  sight  of  whom  all  are  thunderstruck.  It  is  the  Booze, 
who  comes  forward  in  a  towering  rage,  and,  catching  sight  of  Butterfl;.  stretches  out 
threatening  hands  towards  her,  crying:) 

The  Bonze 
Cho-Cho-San  !     Cho-Cho-San  ! 
Abomination  ! 

GORO 

(annoyed  at  the  Bonze's  intrusion) 

A  plague  on  this  intruder  ! 

What  on  earth  brought  him  hither, 

Of  all  troublesome  people  ? 

(signs  to  the  servants  to  remove  the  tables,  cushions  and  stools;  and  then  prudently  retires 
himself,  grumbling  furiously) 

All 

(huddling  together  in  a  corner  in  terrorV 

The  Bonze,  her  uncle  ! 

(Pinkerton  looks  at  the  Bonze's  weird  figure  and  laughs) 

The  Bonze 

(to  Butterfly,  who  stands  isolated  from  the  rest) 

What  were 
You  doing  at  the  Mission  ? 

PiNKERTOX 

What  is  that  madman  shrieking  ? 

The  Bonze 
Give  answer,  what  were  you  doing  '^ 


ACT    OKE  39 


All 

Give  answer,  Cho-Cho-San  ! 

The  Bonze 
How  then,  don't  you  even  falter  ? 
Are  these  the  fruits  of  evil  ? 

(shouting) 

She  has  renounced  us  all  ! 

All 
Hou!  Cho-Cho-San! 

The  Bonze 

She's  renounced,  let  me  tell  you. 
Her  true  religion  ! 

All 

Hou  !  Cho-Cho-San  ! 

(Butterfly,  overcome  with  ehame,  hides  her  face  in  her  hands) 

The  Bonze 

(shouting  into  her  face) 

In  everlasting  torment 

May  your  wicked  soul  perish  ? 

.nutterfly's  mother  comes  forward  to  protect  h<>r,  but  the  Bonze  roughly  pushes  her  away 
Pinkerton  loses  patience,  rises  and  shouts  to  the  Bonze :) 

Pinkerton 

(out  of  patience) 

Be  silent  now,  d'you  hear  me  ? 

'A.t  the  Bound  of  Pinkerton's  voice,  the  Bonze  stops  short  in  amazement,  then  with  a  Buddeii 
resolve  he  invites  friends  and  relations  to  come  away) 

The  Bonze 
Come  with  me,  all.     We'll  leave  her. 

(to  Butterfly) 

You  have  renounced  us  all — and  we — 

All 

Renounce  you  ! 

Pinkerton 

(authoritatively) 
Leave  this  place  on  the  instant  !     Here  I  am  master. 
I'll  have  no  turmoil  and  no  disturbance  here  ! 


30  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


(All  the  guests,  including  the  Bonze,  depart  in  great  haste,  going  down  the  hillside  and  con- 
tinuing to  hurl  threats  and  imprecatioDs  at  Butterfly.  By  degrees  the  voices  die  away  in 
the  distance.  Butterfly,  who  has  been  standing  motionless  and  mute  with  her  face  buried 
in  her  hands,  bursts  into  childish  tears.  Evening  begins  to  draw  in  gradually,  then  night 
sets  in,  serene  and  starlit) 


PiNKERTON 
(goes  up  to  Butterfly  and  gently  draws  her  hands  from  her  face) 
Dearest,  my  dearest_,  weep  no  more  ! 
Let  the  frogs  croak  their  loudest. 


Butterfly 

(still  hears  the  yells  of  her  relations  and  holds  her  ears) 

Hark  how  they  yell. 


PiNKERTON 

(cheering  her) 

All  your  respected  tribe, 
And  all  the  Bonzes  in  Japan, 
Are  not  worth  a  tear 
Irom  those  dear  eyes  of  yours. 


Butterfly 

(smiling  with  childlike  pleasure) 

Indeed  ?     I'll  weep  no  more — 
And  now  I'm  scarcely  grieved  at  their  desertion 
So  sweet  are  your  words  of  comfort 
Which  fall  like  gentle  balm  on  my  poor  heart. 
(stoops  to  kiss  Pinkerton's  hand) 


PiNKERTON 

(surprised  at  her  action,  gently  stops  her) 

What's  this  ?— My  hand  ? 

Butterfly 

They  tell  me 
That  abroad,  where  the  people  are  more  cultured 
This  is  a  token  of  the  highest  honour. 

PiNKERTON 

(hears  a  subdued  murmuring) 

Who's  murmuring  in  there  ? 


ACT    ONE  31 


Butterfly 
'Tis  Suzuki  who  offers  up 
Her  evening  prayer. 

PiNKERTOX 

(drawing  her  close  to  him) 

Evening  is  falling — 

Butterfly 
With  shadows  and  quiet — 

Pinkerton 
You're  here  alone — 

Butterfly 

Alone  and  renounced  ! 
They've  renounced  me,  and  yet  I'm  happy  I 

Pinkerton 

(ha8  clapped  hia  hands  and  the  servants  have  hastened  in\ 

Come  hither — the  shosi. 

Butterfly 

(the  servants  close  the  partitions  which  run  along  the  terrace,  and  then  retire) 

Yes,  we  are  all  alone — 
The  world  is  yonder. 

Pinkerton 

(laughing) 

And  your  uncle  breathing  thunder  ! 
Butterfly 

(to  Snznki,  who  has  come  in  with  the  servants  and  is  awaiting  orders) 

Suzuki,  bring  my  garments. 

^Suzuki  rummages  in  a  lacquer  trunk,  whilst  Pinkerton  watches  the  servants  who  are  changing 
part  of  the  terrace  into  a  room) 

Suzuki 

(after  having  given  Butterfly  her  night-attire  and  a  small  box  with  toUet  neceesarieB,  bows  low 
to  Pinkerton) 

Good-night,  Augustness. 

(Bntterfly  retires  to  a  comer,  and,  assisted  by  Suzuki,  carefully  performs  her  toilet  for  the 
night,  exchanging  her  wedding-garment  for  one  of  pure  white.  Suzuki  goes  out.  Pinker- 
ton, lolling  on  the  wicker  lounge,  takes  a  cigarette  and  watches  Butterfly,  who  is  busy 
adorning  herself) 


32  MADAM    teUtTERFLY 


Butterfly  Pinkerton 

I  long  to  be  rid  Just  like  a  little  squirrel 

Of  this  ponderous  obi,  Are  all  her  pretty  movements. 

A  bride  must  be  rob'd  To  think  that  pretty  plaything 

In  a  garment  of  white.  Is  my  wife  !   my  "wife  ! 

He's  peeping  and  smiling,  Gazing  upon  that  baby-form 

Conceal'd  by  the  lattice —  I  scarce  can  find  a  trace 

Oh,  could  I  but  vanish  Of  womanhood,  scarce  enough 

My  blushes  to  hide  !  To  raise  a  smile — 

I  hear  that  angry  voice  But  her  charm 

Still  shouting  curses —  Is  so  alluring, 

Butterfly — they've  renounced  her,  That  my  heart 

Renounced  her — still  she's  happy.  Is  beating  madly. 

With  passionate  longing  I 

Pinkerton 

(goes  up  to  Butterfly,  raises  her  gently  and  goes  out  on  the  terrace  with  her) 

Child,  from  whose  eyes  the  witchery  is  shining, 

Now  you  are  all  my  own  ! 

You're  clad  all  in  lily-white  raiment. 

How  sweet  are  your  tresses  of  brown 

In  your  snowy-white  garment — 

Butterfly 

(goes  down  from  the  terrace) 

I  am  like 

The  little  Moon-Goddess, 

The  little  Moon-Goddess  who  comes  down  by  night 

From  her  bridge  in  the  star-lighted  sky — 

PiNKERTON 
(following  her) 

Bewitching  all  mortals — 

Butterfly 

Then  she  takes  them 
And  she  wraps  them  in  mantle  of  white, 
And  away  she  bears  them,  to  realms  high  above. 

PmSERTON 

But,  dearest,  as  yet  you've  not  told  me, 
You've  not  told  me  yet  that  you  love  me. 
Do  you  think  that  my  goddess 
Knows  the  words  1  am  yearning  to  hear? 


ACT    ONE  33 

Butterfly 
She  knows,  but  perhaps  will  not  say  them, 
For  fear  she  may  die  of  her  love  I 

PniTKERTON 

Fear  not,  my  dearest,  for  love  does  not  mean  dying, 

But  rather  living  ;   and  it 

Radiates  happiness  celestial. 

I  see  it  shine,  as  in  your  eyes  I'm  gazing. 

(drawing  close  to  her  and  taking  her  face  in  his  hands) 

Butterfly 

(withdrawing  from  his  ardent  embrace  and  moving  away) 

I  used  to  think ;   if  anyone  should  want  me — 

(stops  short) 

Pinkebtow 
Why  do  you  falter  ?    Come,  end  your  sweet  confession. 

Butterfly 
1  used  to  think,  if  anyone  should  want  me, 
Then  perhaps  for  a  time  I  might  have  married. 
'Twas  then  that  the  Nakodo 
Came  to  me  with  your  marriage  offer. 
But, — the  truth  I  must  confess, — 
At  the  beginning,  all  he  said  was  useless. 
A  stranger  from  America  ! 
A  foreigner  !   a  barbarian  ! 
Forgive  me — I  did  not  know — 


PiNKEBTON 

My  gentle  darling  !   And  then  ? 
Continue. 


Butterfly 
But  now,  beloved  ! 
You  are  the  world,  more  than  the  world  to  me. 
Indeed,  I  liked  you  the  very  first  moment 
That  I  saw  you. — You're  so  strong, 
So  handsome  ! — Your  laugh 
Is  so  open  and  so  hearty  ! 
The  things  you  say  are  so  fascinating. 


34  MADAM    BUTTEKFLY 


Now  I  am  happy. — Ah,  love  me  a  little, 
Oh  just  a  very  little, 
As  you  would  love  a  baby, 
'Tis  all  I  ask  for. 
I  come  of  a  race 
Accustom'd  to  little  ; 
Grateful  for  love  that's  silent. 
Light  as  a  blossom, 
ind  yet  everlasting 
As  the  sky,  as  the  fathomless  ocean. 


PiNKERrON 

Give  me  your  darling  hands,  that  I  may  kiss  them  I 

(burgfs  out  very  tenderly) 

My  Butterfly  ! — aptly  your  name  was  chosen. 
Gossamer  creation  ! — 


Butterfly 

it  these  words  her  face  clouds  over,  aud  she  draws  away  her  hands) 

They  say  that  in  your  country 
If  a  butterfly  is  caught  by  man, 
He'll  pierce  its  heart  with  a  needle. 
And  then  leave  it  to  perish  ! 


PiNKERTON 

(gently  taking  her  hands  again  and  smiling) 

Some  truth  there  is  in  that. 
And  can  you  tell  me  why  ? 
That  you  may  not  escape. 

(embracing  her) 

See  I  have  caught  you — 
I  hold  you  as  you  flutter — 
Be  mine. 


Butterfly 

(throwing  herself  in  his  arms) 

Yes,  yours  for  ever. 


PiNKEETON 

Come  then,  come  then— 


ACT    ONE  35 

Butterfly 

(hesitating) 

One  moment — 


PiNKERTON 

Love,  what  fear  holds  you  trembling  ? 
Have  done  with  all  misgivings. 

(pointing  to  the  starlit  sky) 

See,  the  night  doth  enfold  us  ! 
See,  all  the  world  lies  sleeping  ! 


Butterfly 

(enraptured) 

Ah  !     Night  of  rapture  !     Stars  unending  ! 

Never  have  I  seen  such  glory  ! 

Throbbing,  sparkling,  each  star  in  heaven 

Like  a  fiery  eye  is  flashing. 

Oh  !  how  kindly  are  the  heavens  ! 

Every  star  that  shines  afar 

Is  gazing  on  us,  lighting  our  future  for  us. 

Ah  !  lovely  night !     Thy  perfect  calm 

Is  breathing  love  near  and  far  ! — 


PlNKERTON 

(with  passionate  longing) 

Come,  then,  come ! — 

(They  go  into  the  marriage  chamber) 


ACT   II. 

Inside  Butterfly's  Little  House. 


PART  1. 

Suzuki,  coiled  vp  in  front  of  the  image  of  Buddha,  is  praying: 
from  time  to  time  she  rings  the  prayer-bell. 

Butterfly  «'•"'  standing  rigid  and  motionless  near  the  screen. 


Suzuki 

(praying) 

And  Izaghi  and  Izanami 
Sarundasico  and  Kami— 

(breaking  off) 

My  head  is  throbbing  ! 

(rings  the  prayer-bell  to  invoke  the  attention  of  the  Gods) 

And  thou 
Ten-Sjoo-daj ! 

Gooking  at  Butterfly) 

Grant  me  that  Butterfly 
Shall  weep  no  more,  no  more,  no  more. 

BUTTEEFLY 

Lazy  and  idle 

Are  the  Gods  of  Japan. 

The  God  my  husband  prays  to 

Will  give  an  answer  far  more  quickly 

To  those  who  bow  before  Him. 

But  I'm  afraid  He  knows  not 

That  here  we  are  dwelling. 

(remains  pensive,  then  she  turns  to  Suzuki,  who  has  risen  to  her  feet  and  has  drawn  back 
the  pauition  leading  to  the  garden) 

Suzuki,  how  soon  shall  we  be  starving? 


ACT    TWO  37 


Suzuki 

(opens  a  small  cabinet,  and,  taking  a  few  coins  from  it,  shows  them  to  Butterfly) 

This  is  all  that  is  left  us. 


Butterfly 
No  more  ?    Oh,  we've  been  spendthrifts  ! 

Suzuki 

(replaceB  the  money  in  the  cabinet,  which  she  closes,  saying,  with  a  sigh:) 

Unless  he  comes,  and  quickly, 
Qur  plight  is  a  bad  one. 


Butterfly 

(with  decision) 

He'll  come,  though. 

Suzuki 

(shaking  her  head) 

Will  he  come  ? 


Butterfly 

(vexed,  to  Suzuki) 

Why  did  he  order  the  Consul 

To  provide  this  dwelling  for  us  ? 

Now  answer  that ! 

And  why  was  he  so  careful 

To  have  the  house  provided  with  safe  locks 

If  he  did  not  intend  to  come  again  ? 


Suzuki 
I  know  not. 


Butterfly 

(surprised  at  such  ignorance) 

Know  you  not  ? 

(with  proud  confidence) 

Then  I  will  tell  you.     'Twas  to  keep  outside 
Those  spiteful  plagues,  my  own  relations. 
And  inside,  'twas  to  give  me  protection. 
Me,  his  beloved  wife— his  Butterfly. 


38  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Suzuki 

(still  far  from  convinced) 

I  never  heard  as  yet 
Of  foreign  husband 
Who  returned  to  his  nest. 


Butterfly 

(furious) 

Silence,  or  I'll  kill  you. 

(still  trying  to  persuade  Suzuki) 

Why,  just  before  he  went, 

I  asked  of  him :  "You'll  come  back  again  'to  me  ?  " 

And  with  his  heart  so  heavy. 

To  conceal  his  trouble, 

With  a  smile  he  made  answer: 

(imitating  Pinkerton) 

O  Butterfly, 
My  tiny  little  child- wife, 
I'll  return  with  the  roses. 
The  warm  and  sunny  season 
When  the  red-breasted  robins 
Are  busy  nesting. 

(calm  and  convinced) 

And  he'll  return. 


Suzuki 

(still  incredulous) 

We'll  hope  so. 


Butterfly 

(insisting) 

Say  it  with  me: 
He'll  return  ! 


Suzuki 

(repeats,  to  please  her) 

He'll  return ! 

(then  she  bursts  out  weeping) 


ACT    TWO  39 

Butterfly 

^  (surprised) 

Weeping  ?  and  why  ? 
Ah,  'tis  faith  you  are  lacking ! 

(she  then  continues,  full  of  faith,  and  smiling) 

Hear  me. — One  fine  day  we'll  notice 
A  thread  of  smoke  arising  on  the  sea 
In  the  far  horizon, 
And  then  tlie  ship  appearing; — 
Then  the  trim  white  vessel 

Glides  into  the  harbour,  thunders  forth  her  cannon. 
See  you  ?   He  is  coming  ! — 
I  do  not  go  to  meet  him.     Not  I.     I  stay 
Upon  the  brow  of  the  hillock  and  wait,  and  wait 
For  a  long  time,  but  never  weary 
Of  the  long  waiting. 
From  out  the  crowded  city, 
There  is  coming  a  man — 

A  little  speck  in  the  distance,  climbing  the  hillock. 
Can  you  guess  who  it  is  ? 
And  when  lie's  reached  the  summit 
Can  you  guess  what  he'll  say? 
He  will  call  "  Butterfly  "  from  the  distance. 
I,  without  answering, 
Hold  myself  quietly  concealed, 
.      A  bit  to  tease  him,  and  a  bit  so  as  not  to  die 
At  our  first  meeting;  and  then,  a  little  troubled. 
He  will  call,  he  will  call: 

"  Dear  baby-wife  of  mine,  dear  little  orange-blossom  !  '^ 
The  names  he  used  to  call  me  when  he  came  here, 

(to  Suzuki) 

This  will  all  come  to  pass,  just  as  I  tell  you. 
Banish  your  idle  fears— for  he'll  return,  I  know  it. 

(diflmisaes  Suzuki,  who  goes  out  of  door  on  left.    Butterfly  looks  after  her,  sadly) 


40  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


(Goro  and  Sharpless  appear  In  the  garden :  Goro  looks  into  the  room,  sees  Butterfly  and  says 
to  Sharp  less:) 

GOKO 

Come! — She's  in  here. 

(brings  Sharpless  in ;  then  goes  outside  again  at  once,  and  peeps  in  from  the  garden  every  now 
aad  then) 

Shaepless 

(knocks  cautiously  at  the  door  on  the  right) 

I  am  seeking — 

(catches  sight  of  Butterfly,  who  has  risen  on  hearing  him  enter) 

Madam  Butterfly — 


Butterfly 

(corrects  him,  without  turning  round) 

Nay,  Madam  Pinkerton, 
Excuse  me. 

(she  turns  round,  recognizes  the  Consul,  and  claps  her  hands  for  joy) 

Why  here  is  the  Consul;  yes,  the  Consul! 

(Snznki  enters  eagerly  and  prepares  a  small  table  with  smoking  materials,  some  cushions  and 
a  stool) 

Sharpless 

(surprised) 

What,  you  remember —  ? 

Btjtteefly 

(doing  the  honors  of  the  house) 

You  are  welcome ;  be  seated, 
You  are  most  honorably  welcome. 

Sharpless 
Thank  you. 

Butterfly 

/fiirited  tne  Consul  to  be  seated  near  the  table;  Sharpless  drops  awkwardly  on  to  a  cushion; 
Butterfly  sits  down  on  the  other  side  and  slyly  smiles  behind  her  fan  at  his  discomfort, 
then  with  much  grace:) 

And  your  honorable  ancestors, 
Ib  their  health  good  ? 

Sharpless 

(thanks  her,  smiling) 

I  hope  so. 


ACT    lv70  42 


Butterfly 

(eififns  to  Suzuki,  who  prepares  the  pipe) 

You  smoke  ? 


Sharpless 
Thank  you 


(he  is  auxiouB  to  explain  the  object  of  his  visit,  and  draws  a  letter  from  his  pocket) 

I've  here — 


Butterfly 

(prettily  interrupting  him) 

Augustness,  the  sky 
Is  quite  uncloucied. 

(after  having  taken  a  draw  at  the  pipe,  she  offers  it  to  the  Consul) 


Sharpless 

(refusing) 

Thank  you. 
(trying  again  to  resume  the  thread  of  his  talk) 

I've— 


Butterfly 

Oaysdown  the  pipe  on  the  table  and  says  very  pressingly:) 

You  prefer  most  likely 
To  smoke  American  cigarettes  ? 
(offers  him  some) 


Sharpless 

(taking  one) 

Well,  thank  you. 

(rises  and  tries  to  resume) 

I  have  to  show  you — 
Butterfly 

(hands  him  a  lighted  taper) 

Alight? 
Sharpless 

(lights  his  cigarette,  bat  then  pats  it  down  at  once,  and  showing  her  the  iettef,  ^its  §own  q| 
tjiestpoj^ 

I've  a  letter  from  Mr.  Pinkertpii, 


4:2  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Butterfly 

(wiih  intense  earnestness) 

What?    Really? 
How's  his  honorable  health  ? 


Sharpless 
He's  quite  well. 

Butterfly 

(jumping  lip  very  joyfully) 

Then  I'm  the  happicist 
Woman  in  Japan.     Would  you 
Answer  me  a  question  ? 

(Suzuki  is  busy  preparing  tea) 

Shakpless 
Gladly. 

Butterfly 

(sits  down  again) 

At  what  time  of  the  year 
Do  robins  nest  in  America  ? 


Sharpless 

(amazed) 

Are  you  serious? 

Butterfly 

Yes. 
Sooner  or  later  than  here  ? 

Sharpless 
Tell  me— why? 

(Goto  comes  up  from  the  garden  on  to  the  terrace,  and  listens  unseen  by  Butterfly) 

Butterfly 
My  husband  gave  his  promise 
He  would  return  in  the  joyous  season, 
When,  robin  redbreasts  rebuild  their  nests. 
Here  they  have  built  them  thrice  already, 
But  I  thought  that  over  there 
They  might  nest  less  often. 

(Goro  bursts  out  laughing) 


ACT    TTVO 

Butterfly 

Who's  laughing  ? 

(sees  Goro) 

Oh,  the  Nakodo. 

(softly  to  Sharpless) 

A  wicked  fellow. 

Goro 

(bowing  obsequiously) 

I  was — 

Butterfly 
Silence. 

(to  Sharpless) 

Why,  he  dared— No,  firs-c  I'd  like 
An  answer.     Answer  me  what  I  asked  you. 

Sharpless 

(embarrassed) 

I  am  sorry,  but — I  don't — 
I  never  studied  ornithology. 

Butterfly 

(trying  lo  understand) 

Ah!  orni — 

Sharpless 
— thology. 

Butterfly 
Ah,  then 
You  cannot  tell  me  ? 

Sharpless 
No. 

(tries  to  return  to  his  point) 

We  were  saying — 
Butterfly 

(interrupts  him,  pursuing  her  thoughts) 

Ah,  yes. 
Scarcely  was  B.  F.  Pinkerton  away. 


43 


44  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Than  Goro  came  hither 

And  besought  me, 

With  arguments  and  presents,  to  re-marry. 

He'd  half-a-dozen  suitors. 

Now  he  offers  me  riches 

If  I  will  wed  an  idiot — 


Goro 

(to  justify  himself,  tries  to  explain  to  SharplesB) 
The  wealthy  Yamadori. 

She's  as  poor  as  she  can  be — and  her  relations 
Have  cast  her  off  completely 
(Beyond  the  terrace  the  Prince  Yamadori  is  seen,  followed  by  two  servants  carrying  flowers ) 


BUTTEEFLT 

(sees  Yamadori,  and  points  him  out  to  Sharpless  with  a  smile) 

Here  he  is.     Now  listen. 

(Yamadori  enters  with  much  pomp,  bows  gracefully  to  Butterfly  then  salutes  the  Consul.  The 
two  servants  deliver  their  flowers  to  Suzuki,  and  retire  to  the  back.  Goro,  full  of  servil- 
ity, brings  a  stool  for  Yamadori,  between  Sharpless  and  Butterfly,  and  is  very  much  lu 
evidence  throughout  the  interview.    Sharpless  and  Yamadori  sit  down) 

(to  Yamadori) 

Yamadori — and  have  the  throes 

Of  unrequited  love  not  yet  released  you  ? 

Do  you  still  intend  to  die 

If  I  withhold  my  kisses  ? 


Yamadori 

(to  Sharpless) 

There  is  naught  on  earth  more  cruel 
Than  the  pangs  of  hopeless  love. 


Butterfly 

(with  graceful  raillery) 

You  have  had  so  many  consorts 
Surely  you  must  be  inured ! 


Yamadori 
Ev'ry  one  of  them  I  married, 
And  divorce  has  set  me  free. 


ACT    TWO  45 


Butterfly 

Thank  you  kindly  ! 

Yamadoei 

(eagerly) 

But  yet  to  you, 
I  would  swear  eternal  faith. 

Shaepless 

(sighing,  replaces  the  letter  in  his  pocket) 

(I  am  very  much  afraid 

My  message  will  not  be  delivered.) 

GoKO 

(pointing  out  Yamadori  to  Sharpless,  with  emphasis) 

Houses,  servants,  treasures,  and 
A  regal  palace  at  Omara  ! 

Butterfly 

(seriously) 

But  my  hand's  bestowed  already — 
GoRO  AND  Yamadori 

(to  Sharpless) 

She  believes  she  still  is  married — ■ 
Butterfly 

(emphatically) 

I  don't  believe,  for  I  knoio  it. 

GoRO 
But  the  law  says — 

Butterfly 

(interrupting  him) 

I  know  it  not. 
GoRO 

(continues) 

For  the  wife,  desertion 
Gives  the  right  of  divorce. 

Butterfly 

(shaking  her  head) 

That  may  be  Japanese  law, 
But  not  in  my  country. 


46  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


GoRO 

Wbicli  one  ? 


Butterfly 

(with  emphasis) 

The  United  States. 


Sharpless 
(Poor  little  creature  ! ) 


Butterfly 

(streii'ionsly,  and  growing  excited) 

I  know,  of  course,  to  open  the  door 

And  to  turn  out  your  wife  at  any  moment 

Here,  constitutes  divorce. 

But  in  America,  that  canuot  be  done. 

(to  Sharpless) 

Say  so  ! 

Sharpless 

(embarrassed) 

Yes,  yes — but  yet — 


Butterfly 

(interrupts  him,  turning  to  Yamadori  and  Gore  in  triumph) 

There,  a  true,  honest 

And  unbiassed  judge 

Says  to  the  husband: 

"  You  wish  to  free  yourself? 

"  Let  us  hear  why  ? — 

"  I  am  sick  and  tired 

"  Of  conjugal  fetters  !" 

Then  the  good  judge  says? 
"  Ah,  wicked  scoundrel, 
"  Clap  him  in  prison  !" 

(to  put  an  end  to  the  subject,  she  orders  Suzuki) 

Suzuki,  tea. 

Yamadori 

(softly,  to  Sharpless,  whilst  Butterfly  makes  tea) 

You  hear  her  ? 


ACT    TWO  47 


Sharpless 
I  am  grieved  at  such  hopeless  blindness. 

GORO 

(whispers  to  Yamadori  and  Sharpless) 

Mr.  Pinkerton's  ship  is  already 
Signalled. 

Yamadori 

(in  despair) 

And  when  they  meet  again 


,  Sharpless 

(whispers  to  both) 

He  does  not  want  to  see  her. — It  is  for  that  I  came 
To  try  and  prepare  her. — I  have  here  a  letter 
From  him,  which — 

(seeing  that  Butterfly  is  approaching  him  with  tea,  he  cuts  short  his  sentence) 

Butterfly 

(charmingly,  offering  Snarpless  a  cup  of  tea) 

Will  your  Honour  allow  me — 

(opens  her  fan,  and  behind  it  points  to  the  two  others,  laughing) 

What  troublesome  people  ! 

(offers  tea  to  Yamadori,  who  refuses) 

Yamadori 

(rises  with  a  sigh  and  bows  to  Butterfly  with  hand  on  heart) 

Farewell,  then.     I  go,  my  heart  heavy  with  sorrow, 
But  still  I  hojie — 

Butterfly 

So  be  it. 

Yamadori 

(is  leaving,  but  returns  to  Butterfly^ 

Ah,  if  you  would  but — 

Butterfly 
The  pity  is  :  I  will  not  ! — 

[Yamadori,  after  having  bowed  to  Sharpless,  goes  off  sighing,  followed  by  his  servants.  But- 
terfly signs  to  Suzuki  to  remove  the  tea.  Suzuki  obeys,  then  retires  to  the  baclf  of  the 
room.    Goro  promptly  follows  Yamadori) 


48  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Sharpless 

(assumes  a  grave  and  serious  aspect ;  with  great  respect,  however,  and  some  emotion,  he  invites 
Butterfly  to  be  seated,  and  once  more  draws  the  letter  from  his  pocket) 

Now  at  last !     Now  if  you  please,  be  seated, 

(Butterfly  merrily  seats  herself  near  Sharpless,  who  shows  her  the  letter) 

And  read  this  letter  throutrh  with  me. 


Butterfly 
Show  me. 

(takes  the  letter,  kisses  it,  then  places  it  on  her  heart) 

On  my  lips,  on  my  heart — 

(gives  it  back  to  Sharpless,  saying,  prettily  :) 

You  are  the  best  man 

That  ever  lived.     Begin,  I  beg  you. 


Sharpless 

(reads) 

"  Dear  Friend,  I  beg  you  seek  out 
"  That  child,  that  pretty  flower ** 


Butterfly 

(interrupting  him  joyfully) 

Does  he  truly  say  that  ? 

Sharpless 
Yes,  he  truly  says  so, 
But  if  you  interrupt  so — 

Butterfly 

(calming  down  again) 

I'll  be  quiet — and  listen. 

Sharpless 

(resumes) 

"  Those  were  happy  days  together  ; 

"  Three  years  have  now  gone  by  since '* 

Butterfly 

(unable  to  contain  herself) 

Then  he  too  has  counted  I 


ACT    TWO  49 


Sharpless 

(continues) 

"  And  perhaps  Butterfly 
"  Remembers  me  no  more." 


Butterfly 

(surprised) 

I  not  remember? 

(turning  to  Suzulii) 

Suzuki,  tell  him  quickly. 

(repeats  as  though  scandalized  at  the  words  of  the  letter  :) 

"  Remembers  me  no  more  !  " 

(Suzuki  nods  her  head  affirmatively,  then  goes  into  room  on  left) 

SUARPLESS 

(to  himself) 

Oh,  patience  ! 

(continues  reading) 

"  If  she  still 
"  Cares  for  me  and  expects  me — " 

Butterfly 

(deeply  moved) 

Oh,  what  glorious  tidings  ! 

(takes  the  letter  and  kisses  it) 

You  blessed  letter  ! 


Sharpless 

(takes  the  letter  back  and  boldly  resumes  reading,  though  his  voice  is  trembling  with  emotion) 

"  On  you  I  am  relying 
*'  To  act  discreetly,  and  with  tact 
"And  caution  to  prepare  her — " 
Butterfly 

(anxiously,  but  radiant) 

He's  coming — 

Sharpless 
"  For  the  shock—" 


Butterfly 

(jumping  for  joy  and  clapping  Uer  lWJ4fl) 

Tell  rae  quickly,  quickly ! 


50  MADAM     BUTTEKFLY 


Shakpless 

'  (resignedly  folds  up  the  letter  and  replaces  it  in  his  pocket) 

(Well,  really  ! 
Here  I  ought  to  prevent  her — 

(shaking  hie  head  in  vexation) 

That  fiend  of  a  Pinkorton  !) 

(rises,  and  looldng straight  into  Butterfly's  eyes,  very  seriously) 

Now  say, 
What  would  you  do,  tell  me,  Madam  Butterfly, 
If  he  were  never  to  return  a^ain  ? 


BUTIKRFLT 

(motionless,  like  one  who  has  received  a  death  blow,  bows  her  head,  and  says  with  childlike 
submissiveness  :) 

Two  things  I  might  do  : 
Go  back  and  entertain 
The  people  with  my  songs — 
Or  else, — better — to  die. 


Shaepless 

(is  deeply  moved,  and  walks  up  and  down  excitedly — then  he  turns  to  Butterfly,  takes  her 
bands  in  his,  and  says  with  fatherly  tenderness  :) 


I  am  loth  indeed  to  tear  you 
From  illusions  so  beguiling, 
But  I  urge  you  to  accept  the  hand 
Of  wealthy  Yamadori. 


Butterfly 

(withdrawing  her  hands  from  his) 

You,  Augustness,  you  tell  me  this  ! 
Sharpless 

(embarrassed) 

Holy  powers,  what  can  I  do  ? 
Butterfly 

(claps  her  hands— Suzuki  hastens  in) 

Here,  Suzuki,  come  quickly  please. 
Show  his  Honour  to  the  door. 

Sharpless 

You  dismiss  rae  ? 
(is  on  the  point  of  leaving,  but  Butterfly  runs  to  him  sobbing,  and  holds  Jiim  bacji) 


ACT    TWO  51 


Butterfly 
I  beseech  you, 
Let  my  words  be  quite  forgotten. 

(dismisses  Suzuki,  vho  goes  into  the  garden) 


Sharpless 

(making  excuses) 

I  was  brutal,  I  admit  it. 


Butterfly 

(sadly,  laying  her  hand  on  her  heart) 

Oh,  you've  wounded  me  so  deeply, 
Wounded  me  so  very  deeply  ! 


Sharpless 

(with  emotion) 

Poor  little  creature ! 

(Butterfly  totters  ;  Sharpless  is  about  to  support  her,  but  f  he  quickly  rallies) 


Butterfly 

'Tis  nothing,  nothing ! 
I  felt  ready  to  die  ! — But  see,  it  passes, 
Swift  as  shadows  that  flit  across  the  ocean. 
Ah  !  am  I  forgotten  '? 

(runs  into  the  room  on  the  left,  and  comes  back  in    triumph,  carrying  her  baby  on  her 
shoulder,  and  shows  him  to  Sharpless,  full  of  pride) 

Look  here  then  !  look  here ! 
Can  such  as  this  well  be  forgotten  ? 

(puts  the  child  down  on  the  ground  and  holds  him  close  to  her) 


Sharpless 

(deeply  touched) 

Is  it  his? 


52  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Butterfly 

(pointing  to  his  featuree  one  by  one) 

What  Japanese 
Baby  was  ever  born  with  azure  eyes  ? 
Such  lips  too  ?  and  such  a  head 
Of  golden  curls  ? 


Shabpless 

(more  and  more  moved) 

It  is  his  image. 
Has  Pinkerton  been  told? 


Butterfly 
I^C,  I  bore  him  when  he 
"Wts  far  off  in  his  big  native  country. 

(caressing  the  child) 

But  you  will  write  and  tell  him 

There  awaits  him  a  son,  who  has  no  equal! 

And  would  you  tell  me  then,  that  he  won't  hasten 

Over  land  and  over  sea! 

(seats  the  child  on  the  cushion,  and  kisses  him  fondly) 

Do  you  know,  my  sweet,  what  that  bad  man 

(points  to  Sharpless) 

Had  heart  to  fancy  ? 

That  your  mother  should  take  you  on  her  shoulder 

And  forth  should  wander  in  rain  and  tempest 

Through  the  town,  seeking  to  earn  enough 

For  food  and  clotliing. 

And  then,  before  the  pitying  people 

To  dance  in  measure  to  her  song,  and  cry  out: 

"  Oh,  listen,  good  people, 

"  Listen  for  the  love  of  all 

"The  eight  hundred  thousand  gods  and  goddesses  of 

Japan!" 
And  there  will  pass  a  band  of  valiant  warriors 
With  their  Emp'ror,  to  whom  I'll  say: 
*' Noble  Ruler,  tarry  thy  footsteps 
"  And  deign  to  stop  and  look 

(showing  the  child  and  caressing  him) 

*'  At  these  blue  eyes,  as  blue  as  the  azure  heaven 
"  Whence  you,  Most  High,  are  come!" 


ACT    TWO  ^^ 


(she  crouches  down  beside  the  child,  and  continues  in  caressing  and  tearful  tones) 

And  then,  the  noble  King 

Will  stay  his  progress,  full  of  gracious  kindness, 

(pressing  her  cheek  next  to  the  baby's  cheek) 

Who  knows?  he'll  make  of  you 

The  most  exalted  ruler  of  his  kingdom. 

(she  strains  the  child  to  her  heart,  and  crouching  down  on  the  ground,  hugs  him  passionately) 


Sharpless 

(cannot  restrain  his  tears) 

(Poor  faithful  soul!) 

(then,  conquering  his  emotion,  he  says:) 

'Tis  evening.     I  must  be  going. 

(Butterfly  rises  to  her  feet  and  with  a  charming  gesture  gives  Sharpless  her  hand;  he  shakes 
it  cordially  with  both  of  his) 

You  will  excuse  me? 


Butterfly 

(to  the  child) 

Now  you — give  him  your  hand,  love. 
Sharpless 

(takes  the  child  in  his  arms) 

What  pretty  golden  ringlets! 

(kisses  him) 

Darling,  what  do  they  call  you  ? 


Butterfly 

Give  answer: 
Sir,  to-day  my  name  is  Trovhle.     But  yet 
Write  and  tell  my  father,  on  the  day 
Of  his  returning, 
Joy  shall  be  my  name. 


Sharpless 
Your  father  shall  be  told,  that  I  will  promise. 

(puts  down  the  child,  bows  to  Butterfly,  and  goes  out  quickly  by  door  on  the  right) 

Butterfly 

(clapping  her  hands) 

Suzuki. 


54  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Suzuki 

(shontino;  outside) 

Scoundrel!  Rascal!  Wretched  coward! 

(she  then  comes  in,  roughly  dragging  in  Uoro,  who  tries  in  vain  to  escape) 


BUTTEEFLT 

Who's  that  ? 


SuzuK 
He  prowls  around  here, 
Evil  reptile!  from  morn  to  evening, 
And  tells  this  scandal 
All  through  the  town: 
That  no  one  knows 
Who  is  this  baby's  father! 

(she  releases  Goro,  who  tries  to  justify  himself) 


GORO 

I  only  told  her 

That  out  in  America 

Whene'er  a  baby 

Is  born  in  such  conditions, 

He  will  be  shunned  throughout  his  life 

And  treated  as  an  outcast — 

(Butterfly,  enraged,  runs  to  the  shrine,  and  takes  down  the  sword  which  was  used  for  the 
hara  tiri— condemned  suicide— of  her  father,  crying:) 


Butterfly 

Ah,  you're  lying,  lying! 

(seizes  Goro,  who  falls  down,  and  threatens  to  kill  him;  Goro  utters  desperate  howls) 

Say't  again  and  I'll  kill  you ! 


Suzuki 

(thrusts  herself  between  them) 

No! 

(horrified  at  such  a  scene,  che  takes  the  baby  and  carries  him  into  the  room  on  the  left) 


Butterfly 

\8eiz°«!  vitb  disgust,  pushes  him  away  with  her  foot) 

Begone! 


ACT    TWO  J^ 


(Goro  makes  his  escape;   Butterfly  rouses  herself  and  goes  to  put  away  the  dagger,  and  her 
thoughts  turning  to  her  child,  she  exclaims:) 

Oh,  you'll  see,  love  of  my  heart, 
My  grief  and  yet  my  comfort, 
That  your  avenger  soon  will  be  here 
And  take  you  and  me  to  his  own  country, 
Where — 

(a  cannon-shot) 


Suzuki 

(enters  breathlessly) 

The  harbour  cannon ! 

(runs  toward  the  terrace— Butterfly  follows  her) 

Look,  'tis  a  man-of-war. 


Butterfly 

(breathless  with  excitement) 

^VVhite — white — the  American 
Stars  and  stripes — 'tis  putting 
Into  port  to  anchor. 

(tal£es  a  telescope  from  the  table  and  runs  on  to  the  terrace:  all  trembling  with  excitement, 
she  directs  the  telescope  towards  the  harbour,  and  says  to  Suzuki:) 

Keep  my  hand  steady, 
That  I  may  read  the  name, 
•  The  name,  the  name.     Here  it  is:  Abraham  Lincoln! 

(gives  the  telescope  to  Suzuki,  and  goes  down  from  the  terrace  in  the  greatest  state  of 
excitement) 

They  all  were  liars'. 
Liars!   liars!     But  I 
Knew  it  always— I — who  love  him. 

(to  Suzuki) 

Now  do  you  see  the  folly  of  your  doubting  ? 
He's  coming!    He's  coming! 
Just  at  the  moment  you  all  were  saying: 
Weep  and  forget  him.     My  love  wins  the  day! 

My  love  anci  faith  have  won  completely— 

He's  here— he  loves  me  ! 


56  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


(a  prey  to  the  greatest  excitement  and  joy,  she  goes  on  to  the  terrace,  saying:) 

Shake  that  cherry-tree  till  ev'ry  flower, 
White  as  snow,  flutters  down— 
His  noble  brow,  in  a  sweet  scented  shower 
I  would  smother. 

(Bobbing  for  tenderness) 


Suzuki 

(soothing  her) 

Sweet  Madam, 
Be  calm,  I  pray :  this  weeping — 


BUTTEKFLY 

Nay,  laughing,  laughing  !     When 
May  we  expect  him  up  here  ? 
"What  think  you  ?     In  an  hour  ? 


Suzuki 
Too  soon. 


BUTTEEFLT 

(thonghtfully) 

Yes,  'tis  too  soon. 
Two  hours  more  likely.     You 
Go  for  flowers.     Flowers  be  everywhere, 
As  close  as  stars  are  in  the  heavens, 
(signs  to  Sozuki  to  go  into  the  garden) 


(f  ronj  {he  {errs^) 

All  the  ^Qw^vs  ? 


ACT    TWO  57 

Butterfly 
All — Peaches,  violets,  jessamine, 
Ev'ry  spray  of  gorse  or  grass  or  flow'ring  tree. 

Suzuki 
Desolate  as  in  winter  the  garden  will  appear. 

(goes  into  the  garden) 

Butterfly 
Ah  !  but  the  balmy  breath  of  spring  shall  shed  her 
sweetness  here. 

Suzuki 

(appears  on  the  terrace  and  holds  out  a  large  bunch  of  flowers  and  foliage  to  Butterfly) 

Here's  more,  dear  mistress. 
Butterfly 

(taking  the  bunch) 

'Tis  not  enough  yet. 

(Butterfly  distributes  the  flowers  about  the  room,  while  Suzuki  goes  back  to  the  garden) 

Suzuki 

(from  the  garden) 

How  often  at  this  window  you've  stood  and  wept,  and  waited. 
Gazing  and  gazing  into  the  wide,  wide  world  beyond. 

Butterfly 
No  more  need  I  pray  for,  since  the  kind  sea  has  brought  him. 
I  gave  my  tears  to  the  earth,  and  it  returns  me  flow'rs  ! 

SusuKi 

(reappears  on  the  terrace  with  another  load  of  flowers) 

Not  a  flow'r  left. 

Butterfly 

(taking  the  flowers) 

Give  me  your  burden. 
Come  and  help  me. 

(they  scatter  flowers  everywhere) 
SuSUKI 

Roses  shall  adorn 
The  threshold. 


68  madam  butterfly 

Butterfly 
Now  round  his  seat 
Entwine  convolvuluSo 

Suzuki 

Lillies?— Violets? 


Butterfly 

Come,  scatter  flowers. 


Butterfly  and  Suzuki 
Let  us  sow  fair  April  here. 

(lightly  swaj-ing  their  bodies  to  a  dance  measure,  tlicy  scatter  flowers  everywhere) 

In  handfuls  let  us  scatter 
Violets  and  roses  white, 
Sprays  of  scented  sweet  verbena, 
And  the  petals  of  all  flowers  I 

(Butterfly,  assisted  by  Suzuki,  fetches  out  her  toilet  requiremente) 


Butterfly 

(to  Suzuki) 

Now,  come  and  make  me  fine — 

No,  first  bring  me  the  baby. 

(Snzuki  goes  into  the  room  on  the  left  and  brings  the  child,  whom  she  seats  near  Butterfly 
who  meanwhile  looks  at  herself  in  a  small  hand-mirrow,  and  says  sadly:) 

Alas,  how  changed  he'll  find  nie  ! 

Drawn,  weary  mouth  from  overmuch  sighing, 

And  poor  tired  eyes  from  overmuch  crying. 

(throws  herself  on  the  ground,  laying  her  head  on  Suzuki's  feet) 

Suzuki,  make  me  pretty,  make  me  pretty  ! 


Suzuki 

(stroking  Butterfly's  head,  to  sooth  her) 

Rest  calm  and  happy,  and  you'll  be  fair  once  more. 

Butterfly 
Who  knows?  who  knows? 

(rises,  resumes  her  toilet  and  says  to  Suzuki:) 

Put  on  eacli  cheek 

A  little  touch  of  carmine 


ACT    TWO 


59 


(takes  a  paintbrush  and  puts  a  dab  of  rouge  on  the  baby's  cheeks) 

And  also  for  my  darling 

So  that  the  watching  may  not  make  his  face 

Heavy  and  palid. 


Suzuki 

Nay,  but  keep  still,  till  I've  finished  arrainging  your  hair 


BUTTEKFLT 

(pursuing  her  thoughts) 

What  a  surprise 

For  all  ray  relations! 

And  for  the  Bonze 

My  uncle  !     How  they 

Will  prate  and  shout  in  chorus  I 

Oh  what  a  hubbub  I  can  hear 

The  gossips  make  with  Goro  ! 

All  of  them  sure  and  glad 

Of  my  downfall ! 

And  Yaraadori 

With  his  airs  and  graces! 

My  scorn  and  derision, 

My  jeers  and  contempt 

For  the  wretches  I 


Suzuki 

(has  finished  Butterfly's  toilet) 

I've  finished. 


Butterfly 
Bring  me  my  wedding-garment. 

(Suzuki  goes  to  a  small  coffer  and  brings  out  the  obi  and  the  white  garment,  returns  with 
two  garments,  and  gives  one  with  the  obi  to  Butterfly) 


60  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Butterfly 

(puts  down  the  child) 

Bring  it  hither  quickly. 

(while  she  puts  on  her  garment,  Suzuki  dresses  the  child  in  the  other  one,  wrapping  him  up 
almost  entirely  in  the  ample  and  light  draperies) 

I  would  have  him  see  me  in  it 
As  on  my  wedding-day. 
In  ray  hair  we  will  put 
A  scarlet  poppy — 

(Suzuki,  who  has  finished  dressing  the  baby,  fetches  the  flower  and  places  it  in  Butterfly's 
hair.    The  latter  looks  at  herself  in  the  glass,  and  is  pleased  with  the  effect 

Like  this. 

(she  then  signs  to  Suzuki  to  lower  the  thosi) 

In  the  shosi  we'll  make  three  little  holes 
That  we  can  look  out, 
And  still  as  little  mice  we'll  stay  here 
To  w^atch  and  wait. 

She  carries  the  child  close  to  the  shosi,  in  which  she  makes  three  holes;  one  high  np  for  her- 
self, one  lower  down  for  Suzuki,  and  a  third  one  lower  still  for  the  baby,  whom  she  seats 
on  a  cushion,  showing  him  how  to  look  out  of  his  hole.  Suzuki  crouches  down  and 
also  gazes  out  through  ner  hole.  Butterfly  stands  in  front  of  the  top  hole  and  gazes 
through  it.  After  some  time  Suzuki  and  the  child  fall  af leep.  Meanwhile  night  has 
fallen,  and  the  rays  of  the  moon  shed  their  lights  from  without  the  shosi.  Butterfly 
remains  motionless,  rigid  as  a  statue. 


ACT  1 1. 


PART  n. 

The  ire&TY  night  of  watching  passes.    The  clanging  of  chains  and  anchors  and  the  distant 
voices  of  Bailors  rise  from  the  harbour  at  the  foot  of  the  hill.     At  the  rising  of  the  curtain 
is  already  dawn;  Butterfly  still  motionless,  is  gazing  out  into  the  distance. 

Suzuki 

(awakening  with  a  start) 

'Tis  daylight. 

(rises  and  taps  Butterfly  lightly  on  the  shoulder) 

Cho-Cho-San  ! 

Butterfly 

(starts,  aid  says  confidently  :) 

He'll  come  ;  he'll  come — I  know  he'll  come. 

(sees  that  the  child  has  fallen  asleep,  and  takes  him  in  her  arms) 

Suzuki 
I  pray  you,  go  and  rest,  for  you  are  weary, 
And  I  will  call  you  when  he  arrives. 

Butterfly 

(singing  softly  as  she  goes  up  the  staircase) 

Sweet,  thou  art  sleeping. 

Cradled  on  my  heart  ; 

Safe  in  God's  keeping, 

While  I  must  weep  apart ; 

Around  thy  head  the  moonbeams  dart, 

Sleep,  my  beloved  ! 

(goes  into  the  room  above) 


63  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Suzuki 

(watches  her  go,  and  say 3  with  deep  pity:) 

Poor  Madain  Butterfly  ! 

(Suzuki  kneels  before  the  image  of  Buddha,  then  goes  to  open  the  shosU 


Pinkerton  and  Sharpless  Jcnock  gentbj  at  the  door. 


Suzuki 

Who  is  it  ? 

(goes  to  open  the  door,  and  stands  greatly  surprised) 

Oh! 


Sharpless 

(signing  her  no  I  to  make  a  noise) 

Hush  !  Hush  I 

(Pinkerton  and  aharpless  enter  cautiously  on  tiptoe) 


PiNKEKTON 

(anxiously,  to  Suzuki) 

Is  she  asleep  ?  Disturb  her  not. 


Suzuki 
She  was  so  very  weary  ! 
She  stood  expecting  you 
All  through  the  night,  with  the  baby. 


Pinkerton 
How  did  she  know  ? 


Suzuki 
No  ship  has  crossed  the  harbour  these  three  years 
Whose  flags  and  colours  Butterfly  has  not 
Eagerly  examined. 


ACT    TWO 

Shakpless 

(to  Pinkerton) 

Did  I  not  tell  you  ? 

Suzuki 

(going) 

I'll  call  her. 
Pinkerton 

(stopping  her) 

IsTo,  not  yet. 

Suzuki 

Look  around  you 
Last  night  she  would  have  the  room 
Decorated  with  flowers. 

Sharpless 

(deeply  touched) 

Did  I  not  tell  you  ? 

Pinkerton 

(distressed) 

Ob,  torment  ? 
Suzuki 

(surpriBed) 

Torment  ? 

(hears  sounds  from  the  garden) 

Who's  that  outside  there 
In  the  garden  ? 

^oes  to  look  through  the  shosi  and  exclaims  iu  surprise  :) 

A  lady  !  !— 

Pinkerton 

(leading  her  forward  again) 

Hush! 
Suzuki 

(excitedly) 

Who's  that  ?  Who's  that  f 

Sharpless 
Better  tell  her  all. 


64  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


PiNKERTON 

(in  confusion) 

She  came  with  me. 


Sharplhss 

(deliberately) 

She's  his  wife. 


Suzuki 

tnpifled,  raieee  her  arms  to  Heaven,  then  fall  on  her  knees  with  her  face  to  the  ground) 

Hallowed  souls  of  my  fathers  ! 
The  world  is  plunged  in  gloom  ! 


Sharpless 

(calming  her,  and  raising  her  from  the  ground) 

We  came  here  so  early  in  the  morning 

To  find  you  all  alone,  that  you  might  give  us 

Your  help  and  guidance  in  this  our  plight. 


Suzuki 

(in  •'espair) 

^Jow  can  I  ? 

(.Sharpless  takes  her  aside  and  tries  with  prayers  and  entreaties  to  get  her  consent,  whilst 
Plnkerton,  getting  more  and  more  agitated,  wanders  about  the  room,  noting  every  detail) 


Sharpless 

(to  Suzuki) 

I  know  that  for  such  a  trouble 

There  is  no  consolation  ! 

But  the  future  of  the  baby 

Must  be  our  first  and  special  thought  ! 

This  gentle  lady 

Who  dare  not  enter 

Will  give  the  child  a  mother's  care. 


Suzuki 
Woe  is  me  !  do  you  ask  me 
To  go  and  tell  a  mother— 


ACT    TWO  65 


Shakpless 

(persisting) 

Delay  not,  call  her, 
Call  in  that  gentle  lady 
And  conduct  her  here — if  even 
Butterfly  should  see  her,  no  matter. 
Then  with  her  eyes  she  will  learn 
The  cruel  truth  we  dare  not  teil  her. 


Suzuki 

Oh,  woe  is  me  ! 

(Sharpless  pushes  her  iuto  the  garden,  where  she  joins  Mrs.  Pinkerton) 


PiNKERTON 

Oh,  the  bitter  fragrance 

Of  these  flowers. 

It  is  poison  to  ray  heart. 

Unchanged  is  the  chamber 

Where  once  we  loved — 

But  a  deathly  chill  haunts  the  air. 

(sees  his  own  lilieness  and  takes  it  up) 

And  here  my  portrait  ! 

(puts  it  down) 

Faded  is  the  likeness, 
Just  like  a  leaf  pressed  between  pages. 
Three  years  have  passed  away, 
And  ev'ry  day,  every  hour  she  counted — 

(agitated  by  these  reminiscences  he  turns  to  Sharpless) 

I  cannot  remain, — Sharpless,  I'll  wait  for  you 
Outside.    Give  her  this  money,  just  to  support  her- 

(gives  the  Consul  some  money) 

Remorse  and  anguish  choke  me. 


Sharpless 
Is  it  not  as  I  told  you  1 


66  MADAM    BUTTEEFLT 


PiNKEETON 

Yes.     In  one  sudden  moment 

I  see  my  heartless  action, 

And  feel  that  1  shall  never  free  myself 

From  remorse. 

Haunted  for  ever  I  shall  be 

By  her  reproachful  eyes. 

Farewell,  O  happy  home  ! 

Farewell,  home  of  love ! 

I  cannot  bear  to  stay  ! 

Like  a  coward  let  me  fly — 

Farewell ! 


Sharpless 
I  warned  you — you  remember? 
When  in  your  hand  she  laid  hers  : 
"  Be  careful,  for  she  believes  you." 
Alas,  how  true  I  spoke  ! 
Deaf  to  doubting,  humiliation, 
Blindly  trusting  to  your  promise 
Her  heart  will  break. 
But  now  this  faithful  heart 
Has  perhaps  already  divined. 
Now  go — the  cruel  truth 
She  best  should  hear  alone 

(Plnkerton., wringing  the  Consul  hands,  goes  out  quickly  as  Kate  and  Suzuki  come  in  from 


ACT    TWO  e? 


Kate 

(to  Suzuki) 

Then  you  will  tell  her  ? 


To  trust  me  ? 


Suzuki 

I  promise. 

Kate 

And  you  will  counsel  her 


Suzuki 
I  promise. 

Kate 

Like  my  son  will  I  tend  him. 


Suzuki 

I  trust  you  !     But  I  must  be  alone  beside  her 
In  this  cruel  hour  !     She  will  weep  so  sorely  ! 


BUTTEEFLT 

(calling  from  the  room  above) 

Suzuki,  Suzuki,  where  are  you  ? 

(appears  at  the  head  of  the  staircase) 


Suzuki 

(signs  to  the  others  to  keep  quiet,  then  answers:) 

I'm  here.     1  was  praying,  and  going  back  to  watch — 

(Butterfly  comes  down.     Suzuki  rushes  toward  the  staircase  to  prevent  her  from  coming) 

No,  no,  do  not  come  down. 


Butterfly 

(comes  down  quickly,  freeing  herself  from   Suzuki,  who  tries  in  vain  to  hold  her  back;  then 
she  paces  the  room  in  a  state  of  great  excitement  but  happiness) 

He's  here — where  is  he  hidden  ? 


68  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


(sees  Sharpless) 

Here  is  the  Consul — and  whore  is  ? — where  is  ? — 

(looks  behind  the  screens) 

Not  here  ! 

(turns  and  sees  Mrs.  Pinkerton) 

Who  are  you  ? 
Why  have  you  come  ? — No  one  answers  ! — Why  are  you  weeping  ? 
No,  no,  tell  me  nothing — nothing — lest  I  fall  dead 
At  your  feet  at  the  words  I  hear.     You,  Suzuki, 
Are  always  so  faithful — do  not  weep,  I  pray  ! 
Since  you  love  me  so  dearly,  say  "  yes  "  or  "  no  "  quite  softly. 
He  lives  ? 

Suzuki 
Yes. 

Butterfly 
But  he'll  come 
No  more.     They  have  told  you  ! 

(angered  at  Sazuki's  silence) 

Woman,  I  want  you  to  reply. 


No  more. 


Suzuki 

buttebply 
He  reached  here  yesterday  ? 

Suzuki 

Yes. 

Butterfly 

(looks  at  Kate  as  though  compelled) 

Who  is  this  lady 
That  terrifies  me — terrifies  me  ? 

Kate 

(simply) 

Through  no  fault  of  my  own 

I'm  the  cause  of  your  trouble.     Forgive  me,  pray. 

(is  about  to  approach  Butterfly,  who  imperiously  waves  her  off) 

Butterfly 

No — do  not  touch  me. 

(a  long  and  painful  silence;  then  Butterfly  resumes  in  a  calm  voice:) 

And  how  long  is  it  since  he  married — you  ? 


ACT    TWO  69 


Kate 
A  year,  exactly. 

(Butterfly  is  silent) 

And  will  you  let  me  do  nothing  for  the  child  ? 
I  will  tend  him, with  most  loving  care — 

(Butterfly  does  not  reply;  Kate,  impressed  by  her  silence,  persists,  deeply  moved: 

'Tis  hard  for  you,  very  hard ! 
But  take  the  step  for  his  welfare. 

Butterfly 

(after  a  long  silence) 

"Who  knows!  ? 
All  is  over  now! 

Kate 

(gently) 

Can  you  not  forgive  me,  Butterfly  ? 
Butterfly 

(solemnly) 

Neath  the  blue  vault  of  heaven 

There  is  no  happier  lady  than  you  are — 

May  you  remain  so 

Nor  e'er  be  saddened  through  me — 

Yet  it  would  please  me  greatly 

That  you  should  tell  him 

That  peace  will  come  to  me — 

Kate 

(holding  out  her  hand) 

Your  hand — your  hand,  may  I  not  take  it  ? 
Butterfly 

(drawing  back,  but  replying  kindly) 

I  pray  you — no — not  that! 
Now  go  and  leave  me. 

Kate 

(going  away,  says  to  Sharpless) 

Poor  little  lady  I 
Sharpless 

(deeply  moved) 

Ob,  the  pity  of  it  all  ! 

Kate 

(whispers  to  Sharpless) 

And  can  he  have  his  son  ? 


70  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


Butterfly 

<who  has  heard) 

His  son  I  will  give  him 

If  he  will  come  and  fetch  him. 

Climb  this  hill  in  half  an  hour  from  now. 

(Suzuki  escorts  Kate  and  Sharpless,  who  got  out  by  the  door  on  the  right;  Butterfly  is  on  the 
point  of  collapsing;  Suzuki  hastens  to  support  her) 


Suzuki 

(laying  her  hand  on  Butterfly's  heart) 

Like  to  a  poor  imprison'd  bird 
Beats  this  little  fluttering  heart  I 


Butterfly 

(gradually  recovers;  seeing  that  it  is  now  broad  daylight  she  disengages  herself  from  Suzuki 
and  says:) 

Too  much  light  shines  outside, 

And  too  much  smiling  spring. 

Close  them. 

(pointing  to  the  curtains) 
(Suzuki  closes  doors  and  curtains— the  room  is  almost  in  total  darkness) 

Where  is  the  child  ? 


Suzuki 
Playing.     Shall  I  call  him ! 


Butterfly 

Leave  him  at  his  play. 

(dismiesing  her) 

Go— go  and  play  with  him. 


Suzuki 
I  will  not  leave  you  alone. 

(throws  herself  weeping  at  Butterfly's  feet) 


ACT    TWO 


Butterfly 
How  runs  the  ditty  ?     "  Thro'  closed  gates  he  enter'd, 
**  Life  and  Love  entered  with  him — then  he  went — 
"  And  nought  was  left  to  us — naught  but  death." 


Suzuki 

(weeping) 

With  you  I  stay. 


Butterfly 

(resolutely— clapping  her  hands) 

Go  —go — obey  my  orders. 

(makes  the  weeping  Suzuki  rise,  and  pushes  her  outside  the  exit  on  the  left.  Then  Butterfly 
goes  in  front  of  the  image  of  Buddha,  bows  before  it  and  remains  motionless,  lost  in  sad 
thought;  she  goes  t  ■  the  shrine  and  takes  from  it  a  large  white  veil  which  she  throws 
across  the  screen:  she  takes  the  dasger  which,  in  a  waxen  sheath,  is  leaning  against  the 
wall  near  the  image  of  Buddha,  and  piously  kisses  the  blade,  holding  it  with  both  hands 
by  the  point  and  by  the  handle:  then  she  reads  the  words  iueciibed  on  the  blade:) 

"To  die  with  honour 

When  one  can  no  longer  live  with  honour." 

(she  points  the  dagger  at  her  throat;  the  door  on  the  left  opens  and  shows  Suzuki's  arm  push- 
ing in  the  child  to  his  mother;  the  child  runs  to  her  with  outstretched  bands.  Butterfly 
lets  fall  the  dagger,  darts  towards  the  child  and  hugs  and  kisses  him  almost  to  soffocation) 

You,  you,  beloved  idol! 

Adored  being!  Fairest 

Flower  of  beauty! 

Here  on  your  dear  fair  head. 

Here  let  me  bury 

My  tortured  brow 

Among  your  curls. 

Though  you  ne'er  must  know  it 

'Tis  for  yon  I'm  dying, 

I,  poor  Butterfly, 

That  you  may  go  away  , 

Beyond  the  ocean, 

Never  to  feel  the  torment  when  you  are  older 

That  your  mother  forsook  youl 


72  MADAM    BUTTERFLY 


O  my  son,  sent  to  me  from  Heaven, 
Straight  from  the  throne  of  glory! 
Take  one  last  careful  look 
At  your  poor  mother's  face! 
That  its  memory  may  dinger. 
Even  though  it  be  dim  and  faint. 
Let  not  my  beauty's  ling'ring  bloom 

~ „  -I 


Be  faded  quite! 
Farewell,  belov 
Go — play — play. 


Farewell,  beloved! 

(Bntterfly  takes  the  child,  seats  him  on  a  stool  with  his  face  turned  to  the  left,  puts  the  Amer  j 

ican  flag  and  a  doll  in  his  hands  and  motions  him  to  play  with  them,  while  she  gently  J 

bandages  his  eyes.  Then  she  seizes  a  dagger,  and  her  eyes  still  fixed  on  the  child,  goes 
behind  the  screen.    The  knife  is  heard  falling  to  the  ground,  8"d  the  large  wliite  veil  dis-  \ 

appears,  as  though  drawn  by  an  invisible  hand.  Butterfly  emerges  from  behind  the  screen, 
the  large  white  veil  is  round  her  neck.  Tottering  she  gropes  her  way  towards  the  child, 
and,  smiling  feebly,  has  just  enough  strength  to  embrace  him  before  she  falls  to  the  ground 
beside  him.  At  this  moment  Pinkerton's  voice  is  heard  outside,  on  the  right,  callmg  re- 
peatedly : 

"Butterfly!  Butterfly!" 

then  the  door  on  the  right  is  violently  burst  open :  Pinkerton  and  Sharpless  rush  into  the 
room  and  up  to  Butterfly,  who,  with  a  feeble  gesture,  points  to  the  child  and  dies.  Pink- 
erton falls  on  his  knees,  while  Sharpless  takes  the  child  and  kisses  him,  sobbing) 


